Giant Swiftlet
Hydrochous gigas
Giant Swiftlet (Hydrochous gigas) — Swifts of South & Southeast Asia.
Found across 4 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Giant Swiftlet (Hydrochous gigas) is a member of the Apodidae family found in South & Southeast Asia. Adults weigh 35.8 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Apodiformes
- Family Apodidae Swifts
- Genus Hydrochous
- Species gigas
Quick facts
- Weight
- 35.8 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Apodidae
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Giant Swiftlet is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of rivers and riverside habitats, it is highly aerial, spending much of its time on the wing.
Migration
The Giant Swiftlet is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Giant Swiftlet (Hydrochous gigas) belongs to the Apodidae family of the order Apodiformes. Its range spans South & Southeast Asia. Its distribution covers OR montane Malay Pen. and Greater Sundas.
It is a small bird. Adults weighs around 35.8 g, with a wing length of about 14.6 cm and a tail of around 5.8 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 97,000 km².
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Giant Swiftlet?
The Giant Swiftlet is a small bird that weighs around 35.8 g.
Where does the Giant Swiftlet live?
The Giant Swiftlet is found across South & Southeast Asia with a range covering OR montane Malay Pen. and Greater Sundas, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Giant Swiftlet belong to?
The Giant Swiftlet (Hydrochous gigas) belongs to the Apodidae family, in the order Apodiformes.
What does the Giant Swiftlet eat?
The Giant Swiftlet is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the Giant Swiftlet migrate?
The Giant Swiftlet is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Giant Swiftlet endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
How large is the Giant Swiftlet's range?
The Giant Swiftlet has a mapped global range of about 97,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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