The uniform swiftlet, also known as the Vanikoro swiftlet or lowland swiftlet, is a gregarious, medium-sized swiftlet with a shallowly forked tail. The colouring is dark grey-brown, darker on the upperparts with somewhat paler underparts, especially on chin and throat. This species is widespread from the Philippines through Wallacea, New Guinea and Melanesia. It forages for flying insects primarily in lowland forests and open areas. It nests in caves where it uses its sense of echolocation, rare in birds, to navigate.
Region
Philippines to Wallacea, New Guinea, and Melanesia
Typical Environment
The uniform swiftlet is widespread across island archipelagos from the Philippines through Wallacea to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It favors lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, coastal cliffs, and adjacent open areas. Birds frequently forage above rivers, clearings, and coastal zones where aerial insects concentrate. Colonies are established in limestone and volcanic caves, as well as man-made tunnels where suitable. It often occurs near human-modified landscapes if insect abundance is high.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This swiftlet uses simple echolocation clicks to navigate in the darkness of caves—an uncommon ability among birds. It nests colonially on cave walls using saliva to glue its nest, and often roosts in large, noisy groups. In flight it is fast and highly agile, spending most of its day on the wing catching insects. It is sometimes called the Vanikoro or lowland swiftlet.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift glides and agile turns
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious, forming large foraging flocks and dense cave-nesting colonies. Pairs are monogamous for the season and typically raise one to two chicks on nests attached to cave walls. Colonies use simple echolocation clicks in darkness to orient and avoid collisions. Roosting is communal.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
In flight it gives thin, rapid twittering and high-pitched chips exchanged among flock members. Inside caves it produces series of sharp clicks used for echolocation rather than melodious song.
