The glossy swiftlet is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and eastwards to New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands.
Region
Wallacea, New Guinea, and the Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs from Sulawesi east through the Moluccas to New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands. It occupies a wide range of habitats including primary and secondary forest, forest edges, coastal areas, plantations, and human settlements. Often seen over ridgelines, river corridors, and village clearings where flying insects concentrate. Forms loose to moderate-sized flocks, sometimes mixing with other swiftlets and swallows.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, fast-flying swiftlet named for its blue-green metallic sheen, it often forages high over forests and villages in chattering groups. It nests colonially on sheltered ledges, rock walls, and cave entrances, using plant fibers bound with saliva. The species is frequently confused with other swiftlets, but lacks a distinct white rump. Its rapid, scything flight and constant aerial feeding make it a familiar silhouette in eastern Indonesia to Melanesia.
Eggs of Collocalia esculenta MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flight with rapid wingbeats and sweeping arcs
Social Behavior
Often forages and travels in loose flocks, sometimes with other aerial insectivores. Nests colonially on sheltered vertical surfaces such as cave mouths, rock ledges, and building interiors. Monogamous pairs raise small clutches, typically 1–2 eggs, with both parents incubating and feeding young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high-pitched chips and rapid twittering series while in flight. Calls are sharp and frequent, aiding contact within flocks over long distances.
