Tahiti swiftlet

The Tahiti swiftlet or Polynesian swiftlet is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. While often compared to the Marquesan Swiftlet, this bird is often more pale faced. The subspecies is the Monotypic which means it does not include a subspecies.

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Distribution

Region

French Polynesia

Typical Environment

Occurs in the Society Islands, where it forages above forests, valleys, river corridors, and coastal zones. It nests colonially on cliff faces and in caves, including lava tubes and deeply shaded crevices. Birds commute between nesting caves and nearby feeding areas, often following terrain contours. Human disturbance and introduced predators can limit available safe nesting sites.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm

Wing Span24–28 cm

Male Weight0.009 kg

Female Weight0.009 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the Polynesian swiftlet, it is a cave‑nesting swift endemic to the Society Islands of French Polynesia. It is noted for a paler face compared to the closely related Marquesan swiftlet and is considered monotypic, with no recognized subspecies. Like several Aerodramus swiftlets, it can use simple echolocation clicks to navigate in dark roosting and nesting sites.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

rapid, scything flight with quick, shallow wingbeats; highly agile aerialist

Social Behavior

Forms loose feeding flocks in the air and nests colonially in caves or on shaded cliff ledges. The nest is a small cup of plant fibers bound with saliva attached to rock. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and attend the nest frequently. Echolocation clicks are used within dark roosts to avoid collisions.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations consist of high, thin chips and twittering trills exchanged in flight. Inside caves, birds emit sharper, clicking notes that function as simple echolocation signals.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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