The white-rumped swiftlet is a species of swift in the family Apodidae.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Melanesia and western Polynesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely on Pacific islands including New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa and nearby groups. It frequents coastal cliffs, sea caves, forested valleys, and open areas near villages. Roosting and nesting are typically in caves, lava tubes, or occasionally buildings. It forages above forest canopies, along ridgelines, and over shorelines, often joining mixed-species aerial feeding flocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-rumped swiftlet is a small cave-nesting swift that forages almost constantly on the wing. Many populations use simple echolocation clicks to navigate in dark caves. Nests are built from layers of hardened saliva on cave walls or sheltered structures, and colonies can number in the hundreds. Unlike the edible-nest swiftlet, its nests contain more plant material and are not widely harvested.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast agile flier with rapid, scything wingbeats and swift glides
Social Behavior
Typically nests colonially on vertical cave walls, using layers of saliva to attach the nest. Pairs are generally monogamous and defend a small area immediately around the nest site. They roost communally and often forage in loose flocks, especially near caves and along ridges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and twitters given in flight. Inside caves they produce series of dry, ticking clicks used for simple echolocation.
Plumage
Sooty to dark brown above with a distinct contrasting white rump; underparts dusky with a slightly paler throat. Wings are long and sickle-shaped, and the tail is shallowly forked.
Diet
Feeds on small aerial insects such as flies, ants, termites, beetles, and moths. It captures prey on the wing using a wide gape and makes rapid sallies through insect swarms. Foraging height varies from just above canopy level to high over ridges and coastlines.
Preferred Environment
Most often hunts above forest edges, open clearings, river valleys, and coastal zones, including near cave mouths. It also forages over villages and agricultural areas where insects are abundant.
