The Bornean swiftlet, also referred to as the Kinabalu 'linchi' swiftlet, is a small bird in the swift family Apodidae. It is endemic to the northern mountains of the island of Borneo. It has variously been considered a subspecies of the glossy swiftlet or the cave swiftlet, and in 2008 was split from the latter as a full species C. dodgei.
Region
Northern Borneo Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the high mountains of northern Borneo, centered on Mount Kinabalu and adjacent ranges. It frequents montane and subalpine zones, often along steep ridges, open slopes, and above forest edges. Nesting sites are typically on cliffs, rock overhangs, and in montane caves with nearby foraging airspace. The species forages widely over valleys and clearings, often following updrafts along escarpments.
Altitude Range
1500–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bornean swiftlet is a tiny high-elevation swift endemic to the northern mountains of Borneo, especially around Mount Kinabalu. Long treated within glossy or cave swiftlet complexes, it was recognized as a full species in 2008. It forms small colonies on cliffs and in montane caves and can be difficult to distinguish from related swiftlets without close views. Its fast, scything flight keeps it almost constantly on the wing as it hunts aerial insects over ridgelines.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, scything arcs along ridgelines
Social Behavior
Typically nests in small to moderate colonies on cliffs and in montane caves. Pairs are presumed monogamous, building shallow cup nests of plant fibers bound with saliva on vertical rock surfaces. Outside breeding, it forages in loose groups and may mix with other swiftlets over productive airspace.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched chips and thin twittering given in flight and around colonies. Near nest sites it may emit dry rattles and rapid trills; overall calls are brief and inconspicuous.
Plumage
Small, sooty to dark grey-brown swift with a subtle bluish gloss above and paler grey-brown underparts; throat slightly paler. Wings are long and scythe-shaped, tail short with a shallow notch.
Diet
Aerial insectivore feeding on small flying insects and other aerial arthropods. It captures prey on the wing using rapid maneuvers and persistent flight. Swarming events over ridgelines, forest gaps, and updraft zones provide concentrated feeding opportunities. It occasionally descends to lower clearings when insect abundance is high.
Preferred Environment
Forages over montane forest edges, subalpine scrub, open slopes, and above valleys where thermals and wind currents concentrate insects. Often follows contour lines and updrafts along cliffs and ridges.
