The Mascarene swiftlet or Mauritius swiftlet is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found in Mauritius and Réunion, and the populations on the two islands have recently been confirmed to differ subspecifically. The nominate race francicus is found on Mauritius and the recently described race saffordi occurs on Réunion. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, caves, arable land, and heavily degraded former forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Mascarene Islands (southwest Indian Ocean)
Typical Environment
Occurs on Mauritius and Réunion, where it forages over forests, agricultural lands, and coastal areas and breeds in caves and lava tubes. It frequents subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest as well as montane shrubland and grassland near suitable roosts. Birds also hunt above arable land and around settlements, taking advantage of insect swarms. Nesting colonies are typically in dark caves, tunnels, or deep rock crevices, where echolocation aids navigation. It tolerates degraded habitats for foraging but requires secure cave sites for breeding.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This swiftlet is one of the few birds that uses simple echolocation clicks to navigate in dark caves where it nests. It builds small, cup-shaped nests largely from saliva attached to cave walls. Two island subspecies are recognized, with the nominate on Mauritius and A. f. saffordi on Réunion. Often mistaken for swallows, it is actually a swift with long, curved wings and a tiny bill.
Cave nesting Mascarene Swiftlet
Nest of a Mascarene Swiftlet on a cave roof
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, with rapid flickering wingbeats and agile, darting turns
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small to medium flocks, especially while feeding on the wing. Nests colonially in caves, attaching saliva-based cup nests to vertical walls or ceilings. Clutches are typically 1–2 eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Outdoors it gives thin, high-pitched twittering and rapid chips during flight. Inside caves it produces distinct dry clicking sounds used for simple echolocation. Vocalizations are constant while flocking and near colonies.
