The Himalayan swiftlet is a small swift. It is a common colonial breeder in the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. Some populations are migratory.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from the Himalayan range (Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan) east through northern Myanmar and southwestern China, with populations extending into parts of mainland Southeast Asia. It favors limestone and volcanic caves for nesting, often in rugged montane terrain. Foraging occurs over forested slopes, river valleys, agricultural clearings, and along ridgelines. Outside the breeding season some birds descend to foothills and lowlands, and may disperse widely.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This swiftlet breeds colonially in caves across the Himalayas and nearby mountain ranges, with some populations moving seasonally to lower elevations or farther south. Like several swiftlets, it can use simple echolocation clicks to navigate in darkness inside caves. It spends most of its life on the wing, drinking, feeding, and even bathing in flight. Its nest is a small cup largely cemented with saliva on vertical cave walls.
Himalayan Swiftlet - Thailand
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast and agile with rapid, scything wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Forms dense colonies on cave walls, where pairs build saliva-cemented nests close together. Typically monogamous during the breeding season, with both adults incubating and feeding the young. Outside breeding, it often flocks with other swiftlets and swifts over feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
In flight it gives thin, high-pitched twittering and chirps. Inside caves it produces sharp clicks used for simple echolocation to avoid obstacles.
