- general description
- appearance
- the pacific swallow is a small, sleek bird with a streamlined body and long, pointed wings.
- it has a glossy blue-black head and upperparts, with a chestnut forehead and throat.
- the underparts are pale buff to whitish, and the tail is slightly forked with white spots on the outer feathers.
- both sexes look similar, but males may have slightly longer tail streamers.
- size
- measures about 13-14 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 10-12 grams.
- behavior
- known for its agile and acrobatic flight, often seen swooping and gliding in pursuit of flying insects.
- it is highly social, often seen in small flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
- pacific swallows emit a series of high-pitched, twittering calls, especially while in flight.
- habitat
- range
- widely distributed across the tropical and subtropical regions of the pacific, including indonesia, the philippines, new guinea, the solomon islands, and other pacific islands.
- also found in parts of southeast asia and northern australia.
- environment
- inhabits a variety of environments, including open countryside, coastal areas, wetlands, and human-made structures.
- often found near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and estuaries, where insect prey is abundant.
- diet
- primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths.
- catches prey in mid-air using its agile flight and quick maneuvers.
- breeding
- nesting
- builds a cup-shaped nest made of mud and lined with feathers, grass, and other soft materials.
- nests are typically attached to vertical surfaces such as cliffs, under bridges, or on buildings and other structures.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies depending on location but generally occurs during periods of abundant insect activity.
- female lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for about 14-16 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge, which takes about 20-23 days.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population.
- interesting facts
- the pacific swallow is highly adaptable and often nests in proximity to human settlements, taking advantage of structures for nesting sites.
- its acrobatic flight and ability to catch insects on the wing make it an efficient hunter.
- the species plays an important role in controlling insect populations, particularly in areas close to water bodies.