The plume-toed swiftlet is a small bird in the swift family Apodidae. It is found on some eastern Indian Ocean islands, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and lowland Borneo.
Region
Sundaland and eastern Indian Ocean islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on some islands of the eastern Indian Ocean and across the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and lowland Borneo. It occupies lowland evergreen forest, forest edge, mangroves, plantations, and open areas near water. Nesting usually takes place on the walls or ceilings of caves and occasionally on sheltered cliffs or buildings. The species frequently forages above rivers, coastal flats, and forest clearings, often in mixed flocks with other swiftlets.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the small tufts of feathers on its toes, the plume-toed swiftlet is a tiny, fast-flying aerial insect-catcher. It often nests in colonies on cave walls or cliff overhangs using plant fibers bound with saliva. Distinguishing it from similar glossy swiftlets can be challenging and usually relies on subtle plumage and structural cues. It commonly forages over forests, mangroves, and open country in lowland Southeast Asia.
Plume-toed swiftlets entering and exiting their nests
Plume-toed swiftlet leaving its nest
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast and agile with rapid, shallow wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms loose flocks while foraging and nests colonially on cave walls. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Roosting is communal, often at or near nesting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Produces thin, high-pitched twittering and chittering notes during flight. Near colonies it gives rapid, buzzy calls that can blend into a continuous chatter.
Plumage
Glossy blue-black upperparts with a faint bluish sheen; underparts dark grey-brown, slightly paler on the throat and vent. Compact, short-tailed swiftlet with narrow, sickle-shaped wings. Feathered toes (the 'plumes') are characteristic but difficult to see in the field.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on small aerial insects such as flies, ants, termites, and beetles. It captures prey on the wing using swift, agile flight and a wide gape. Foraging often occurs in mixed-species flocks with other swiftlets and swallows.
Preferred Environment
Most often hunts above forest canopies, along forest edges, over rivers and wetlands, and around coastal mangroves. It also uses open agricultural areas and clearings, especially where insects are abundant.
