The Philippine swiftlet is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is endemic to the Philippines.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs across much of the Philippine archipelago, including major islands such as Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. It forages over forest edges, clearings, agricultural areas, rivers, and coastal zones, and often around towns. Nesting is typically in karst and lava-tube caves, as well as on sheltered cliff ledges. It is frequently seen coursing low to mid-height over ridges and valleys, especially near cave systems.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small swift is endemic to the Philippines and spends most of its life on the wing, catching tiny insects in mid-air. It commonly nests colonially on limestone cave walls using saliva-based nests and can use simple echolocation clicks to navigate in darkness—an uncommon ability among birds.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast with rapid, shallow wingbeats and agile glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in loose feeding flocks, sometimes mixed with other swiftlets and swallows. Nests colonially on cave walls using saliva to anchor shallow cup nests. Pairs are typically monogamous during a breeding cycle, and both adults tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched twitters and rapid chips given in flight. Inside caves, it produces series of sharp clicks used for simple echolocation, aiding navigation in complete darkness.
Plumage
Small, sooty-brown to blackish swift with a slight glossy sheen above and paler brownish underparts. Wings are long and scythe-shaped, and the tail is short and square to slightly notched.
Diet
An aerial insectivore that captures small flying insects such as flies, ants, termites, and beetles while on the wing. It feeds over forest edges, open country, and watercourses, often changing height with insect swarms. Foraging is continuous, with brief rests near roost sites or cave entrances.
Preferred Environment
Usually feeds over open habitats adjacent to forests, along ridgelines, coastal areas, and river valleys. It frequently hunts near cave systems where it roosts and breeds, and may also forage over towns and farmland.
