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WHITE-RUMPED SWIFTLET
WHITE-RUMPED SWIFTLET: Collocalia spodiopygius 11 cm
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In Australia the White-rumped Swiftlet is
restricted to Queensland and occurs throughout most of the Wet tropics.
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It is distinguished from the similar swallows
and martins by its stiff-winged, fluttering flight.
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Like small bats it has sonar ability, navigating in
dark caves by the process of echolocation.
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They
build their nests in very large cavities - caves.
Colonies of tiny cup shaped bracket nests, made from plant matter and
feathers cemented together with hardened saliva, are glued closely together
on the rock walls. Usually one white egg is laid in each. (Source: Department of Environment)
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These dark roosting and nesting sites are used
throughout the year.
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Around
Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge it occurs most commonly when there is heavy
rainfall along the coast, that forces many birds to forage farther inland than usual.
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