The crested treeswift is a species of tree swift. It was for some time considered the same species as its eastern relative, the gray-rumped treeswift, but they do not interbreed where their ranges overlap. It is distinct in flight, with long, bowed wings and a deeply forked tail that usually appears narrow and pointed.
Region
Indian Subcontinent
Typical Environment
Found widely across much of India and Sri Lanka, with local occurrence in adjacent parts of the subcontinent. It frequents open and semi-open woodlands, dry deciduous forest edges, plantations, and areas with scattered tall trees or snags. Often seen near wetlands and along river corridors where flying insects are abundant. Commonly perches conspicuously on exposed branches above the canopy, from which it sallies to feed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A distinctive treeswift with a pronounced crest, long bowed wings, and a deeply forked tail. It was once lumped with the gray-rumped treeswift but is now treated as separate where they overlap. It often perches lengthwise on exposed dead branches and builds a tiny, saliva-glued nest that holds a single egg. Unlike swallows, it is not a perching passerine but a specialized aerial insectivore related to swifts.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, scything flight with long glides and bowed wings
Social Behavior
Often perches singly or in small loose groups on exposed dead branches high above the ground. Pairs maintain small territories around favored perches. The tiny nest is a shallow pad glued to a branch with saliva, holding a single egg, with both adults sharing duties while perched along the branch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin twitters and soft squeaks, especially during aerial chases. Vocalizations are brief and sporadic, more commonly heard at dawn and dusk near perches.
Plumage
Sleek bluish-grey upperparts and pale grey underparts with a bold white throat bordered by rufous. A thin dark mask through the eye and a prominent, elongated crest. Long, narrow wings and a deeply forked tail enhance its elegant, scything silhouette in flight.
Diet
An aerial insectivore that takes flying ants, termites, beetles, moths, and other small insects on the wing. It often sallies out from a high exposed perch to intercept prey and then returns to the same vantage point. During insect emergences, it may feed continuously above canopy level and over open water.
Preferred Environment
Hawks over forest edges, clearings, and above rivers or reservoirs where insect densities are high. Frequently forages along ridgelines and above tree canopies, using elevated perches to scan and launch feeding flights.
