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| − | + | '''Alternative names: Island Swiftlet, Lowland Swiftlet, Vanikoro Swiftlet''' | |
;[[:Category:Aerodramus|Aerodramus]] vanikorensis | ;[[:Category:Aerodramus|Aerodramus]] vanikorensis | ||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| + | With 13cm a medium-sized Swiftlet, similar to other Swiftlets and highly variable | ||
| + | * Grey brown upperparts | ||
| + | * pale grey-brown underparts | ||
| + | * slightly darker undertail-coverts | ||
| + | * slightly forked tail | ||
| + | * rump uniform with underparts (except in ''pallens'' from [[New Hanover]] and [[New Ireland]]) | ||
| + | Subspecies differ in coloration, wing length, paler or darker throats and size. | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| + | Found from south-east [[Asia]] to islands of the South Pacific.<br> | ||
| + | From the [[Philippines]] (except [[Palawan]]) to [[Sulawesi]], the [[Moluccas]], [[New Guinea]], [[New Britain]], [[New Ireland]] and the [[Solomon Islands]] to [[Vanuatu]].<br> | ||
| + | Two records from [[Australia]].<br> | ||
| + | Common or even abundant in most of its range. | ||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| + | Like other ''Aerodramus'' Swiftles this species is often placed in [[:Category:Collocalia|Collocalia]].<br> | ||
| + | Formerly considered conspecific with [[Mossy-nest Swiftlet]], [[Palau Swiftlet]], [[Guam Swiftlet]] and [[Caroline Swiftlet]]. The five species form now a superspecies. Palawan Swiftlet is by some authorities treated as subspecies of this species. [[Moluccan Swiftlet]] and [[Mountain Swiftlet]] have been regarded as subspecies of Uniform Swiftlet too. The exact relationsship among the various Swiftlets are still poorly understood.<br> | ||
| + | 13 subspecies are currently recognized. | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
| + | Usually found over forest, but also over coasts and islands. Recorded in lowlands and highlands. | ||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
| + | Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Highly gregarious and often in big flocks together with other Swiftlets and Swifts. Feeds very low over open country and all day. <br> | ||
| + | Breeding season differs throughout range. Nests in colonies in caves and is capable of echolocation. The nest is made of vegetable matter and hold toghether with little saliva. Lays one to two eggs.<br> | ||
| + | Resident, but some wandering occurs. Is known to move along storm fronts and vagrants have reached [[Australia]]. | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Aerodramus+vanikorensis}} | {{GSearch|Aerodramus+vanikorensis}} | ||
Revision as of 15:53, 4 July 2008
Alternative names: Island Swiftlet, Lowland Swiftlet, Vanikoro Swiftlet
- Aerodramus vanikorensis
Identification
With 13cm a medium-sized Swiftlet, similar to other Swiftlets and highly variable
- Grey brown upperparts
- pale grey-brown underparts
- slightly darker undertail-coverts
- slightly forked tail
- rump uniform with underparts (except in pallens from New Hanover and New Ireland)
Subspecies differ in coloration, wing length, paler or darker throats and size.
Distribution
Found from south-east Asia to islands of the South Pacific.
From the Philippines (except Palawan) to Sulawesi, the Moluccas, New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland and the Solomon Islands to Vanuatu.
Two records from Australia.
Common or even abundant in most of its range.
Taxonomy
Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Formerly considered conspecific with Mossy-nest Swiftlet, Palau Swiftlet, Guam Swiftlet and Caroline Swiftlet. The five species form now a superspecies. Palawan Swiftlet is by some authorities treated as subspecies of this species. Moluccan Swiftlet and Mountain Swiftlet have been regarded as subspecies of Uniform Swiftlet too. The exact relationsship among the various Swiftlets are still poorly understood.
13 subspecies are currently recognized.
Habitat
Usually found over forest, but also over coasts and islands. Recorded in lowlands and highlands.
Behaviour
Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Highly gregarious and often in big flocks together with other Swiftlets and Swifts. Feeds very low over open country and all day.
Breeding season differs throughout range. Nests in colonies in caves and is capable of echolocation. The nest is made of vegetable matter and hold toghether with little saliva. Lays one to two eggs.
Resident, but some wandering occurs. Is known to move along storm fronts and vagrants have reached Australia.
