The pygmy swiftlet is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is endemic to the Philippines.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs across much of the Philippine archipelago, where it is most frequently seen above forest edges, secondary growth, and agricultural mosaics. It also ranges over rivers and coastal areas and may venture above towns and villages. Nesting typically takes place on the walls of caves and cliffs, and occasionally in man-made structures with suitable ledges. The species is locally common where intact foraging habitat and nesting sites coincide.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The pygmy swiftlet is one of the smallest swiftlets, a tiny aerial insect-eater that spends most of its life on the wing. It often forages in fast-moving flocks over forests, clearings, and towns. Unlike some edible-nest swiftlets, it typically builds a small cup of moss and plant fibers bound with saliva on cave or cliff walls and does not rely on echolocation.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting flight
Social Behavior
Often travels and feeds in loose to medium-sized flocks, sometimes mixing with other swiftlets and swallows. Nests colonially on cave or cliff walls, forming small colonies where suitable ledges are available. Pairs are likely monogamous during the breeding season and both adults attend the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin twittering and rapid chips given in flight, especially over feeding areas. Near colonies it gives soft chatter; it does not produce the loud echolocation clicks typical of some cave swiftlets.
Plumage
Tiny swift with dark brown to sooty upperparts showing a slight gloss and paler gray-brown underparts; very short, square-ended tail and narrow, curved wings.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on tiny aerial insects such as flies, ants, termites, and small beetles captured on the wing. It hawks above canopy edges, over open clearings, and along ridgelines and river corridors. Foraging is continuous while on the wing, with frequent changes of height and direction to track insect swarms.
Preferred Environment
Most often over forest edges, secondary growth, farmlands, and near cave systems that provide nesting sites. It also forages over towns and coastal plains during calm conditions.
