Seychelles Swiftlet

Aerodramus elaphrus

Seychelles Swiftlet (Aerodramus elaphrus) — Swifts of Oceans & Seabirds.

The Seychelles Swiftlet (Aerodramus elaphrus) is a member of the Apodidae family found in Oceans & Seabirds. Adults weigh 10.7 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

VU Vulnerable

Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Apodiformes
Family Apodidae Swifts
Genus Aerodramus
Species elaphrus

Where it lives

Mahé, Praslin and La Digue (Inner Is., northeastern Seychelles)

Oceans & Seabirds

Quick facts

Weight: 10.7 g
Diet: Invertebrate-eaters
Family: Apodidae
Order: Apodiformes
Habitat: Woodland

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Australian Swiftlet

Aerodramus terraereginae

Near Threatened

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Seychelles Swiftlet is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.

Behaviour

A bird of dense forest, it is highly aerial, spending much of its time on the wing.

Migration

The Seychelles Swiftlet is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

The Seychelles Swiftlet (Aerodramus elaphrus) is a species of bird in the Apodidae family, part of the order Apodiformes. It occurs naturally across Oceans & Seabirds. Its distribution covers IO Mahé, Praslin and La Digue (Inner Is., ne Seychelles).

It is a very small bird. Adults weighs around 10.7 g, with a wing length of about 11.3 cm and a tail of around 4.8 cm.

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

The species has a mapped global range of roughly 205 km² — a relatively restricted global range.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Seychelles Swiftlet?

The Seychelles Swiftlet is a very small bird that weighs around 10.7 g.

Where does the Seychelles Swiftlet live?

The Seychelles Swiftlet is found across Oceans & Seabirds with a range covering IO Mahé, Praslin and La Digue (Inner Is., ne Seychelles), where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.

What family does the Seychelles Swiftlet belong to?

The Seychelles Swiftlet (Aerodramus elaphrus) belongs to the Apodidae family, in the order Apodiformes.

What does the Seychelles Swiftlet eat?

The Seychelles Swiftlet is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.

Does the Seychelles Swiftlet migrate?

The Seychelles Swiftlet is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

Is the Seychelles Swiftlet endangered?

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

How large is the Seychelles Swiftlet's range?

The Seychelles Swiftlet has a mapped global range of about 205 km².