The grey-rumped treeswift is a species of bird in the Hemiprocnidae family. Currently, four extant species are placed in the family. Like the other members of the Hemiprocnidae, this species is closely related to true swifts, but unlike true swifts, the treeswifts are arboreal, often seen perched on trees, high-tension power transmission lines, and pylons. When perched, the wing tips cross over the tail. This species is commonly found in peninsular Malaysia, but has an extremely large range; there is limited information about population trends.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Malay Peninsula through much of Sundaland, and into parts of Indochina and the Philippines. It favors lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth, and readily uses plantations and wooded urban parks. Often hunts above rivers, roads, and open canopy gaps where flying insects concentrate. Frequently perches on prominent, exposed snags or wires near feeding areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-rumped treeswift is an arboreal swift that often perches high on exposed branches, power lines, and pylons—unlike true swifts that rarely perch. When at rest, its long wings cross over the tail, a classic treeswift posture. It builds a tiny half-cup nest glued to a thin twig with saliva and typically raises a single egg, with both parents sharing duties. Its graceful, scything flight makes it a striking presence along forest edges and clearings.
Grey-rumped treeswift at Manado, North Sulawesi
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
buoyant flier with rapid shallow wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups along forest edges. Builds a tiny half-saucer nest glued to a bare twig; typically one egg is laid and incubated by both parents, which also carry the chick on the perch. Pairs may maintain small territories centered on favored perches and feeding routes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin twittering calls and sharp tsip notes during flight and from perches. Vocalizations are brief and repeated, carrying well over open canopy gaps.
Plumage
Slender, long-winged swift with smooth grey upperparts and a distinctly paler grey rump; underparts pale grey to whitish. Wings are narrow and pointed with very long primaries that cross over the tail when perched. Tail is slightly forked.
Diet
Feeds almost entirely on aerial insects such as termites, ants, beetles, wasps, and small dragonflies. Captures prey on the wing using a wide gape, often making repeated sallies from a high exposed perch. Will join brief feeding aggregations over swarms, especially after rain or during termite emergences.
Preferred Environment
Hunts above forest edges, clearings, rivers, and roads where insect activity is concentrated. Frequently forages along canopy level and just above treetops, occasionally descending over open fields and plantations.
