Whiskered treeswift (Hemiprocne comata), belonging to the treeswift (Hemiprocnidae) family, is a bird species that lives in tropical forests and has long wings and an elegant build. Known for its flight abilities, slender body, and distinctive mustache-like feathers, this species is commonly seen in the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It generally moves alone or in small groups and hunts in the treetops.
Characteristics
Whiskered treeswift is a bird species notable for its long wings and elegant structure. It has an average length of 20–25 cm and, thanks to its aerodynamic body, possesses agile flight abilities. Its feathers are generally in shades of navy blue and brown, with the abdominal area in lighter tones and distinct white feathers present on the throat. Fine white lines extending from its eyes give it an appearance reminiscent of a mustache.
Whiskered Treeswift (Photo: Stephen Davis, flickr.com)
Female and male individuals generally have similar coloration; however, the males' wing feathers are somewhat longer and more pronounced, and their tails are more forked and longer compared to those of the females. Additionally, male individuals usually display a reddish-brown color around the eyes.
Thanks to its large and bright eyes, it has good vision in low light conditions. Its short but strong beak is adapted for catching insects while flying. Although it does not have the ability to hover in the air, it catches insects by performing rapid maneuvers. Its ability to glide for long periods and make sudden dives makes it an active predator in the treetops of rainforests. These physical characteristics provide the species with a great advantage in sustaining its life and hunting in the treetops.
Whiskered Treeswift (Gif: Pana Jan Gifs, pinterest.com)
Wing Structure and Flight
Whiskered treeswift is notable for its long, narrow, and curved wings with an aerodynamic structure. This special wing structure grants it the ability to fly quickly and with high maneuverability. Its ability to glide at high speeds and make sudden directional changes allows it to move easily through the narrow spaces between trees. The species generally flies at the treetop level and, for feeding, catches insects in flight with short, rapid maneuvers.
Wing Structure (Photo: Henry Koh, flickr.com)
During flight, it exhibits a more graceful and fluid movement compared to other treeswift species. Its wing flaps are fast yet regular, and while gliding, it spreads its wings to conserve energy. These birds can generally remain airborne for long periods and hunt in wide areas, although they typically cannot hover in place. Sudden dives and agile maneuvers are among the flight techniques it frequently employs, especially for catching its prey.
Wing Structure (Photo: Henry Koh, flickr.com)
The tail structure also plays an important role during flight. A long and forked tail is functional for maintaining balance and for changing direction. The species provides better aerodynamic control by spreading its tail during flight. In this way, it can easily avoid obstacles in forests with dense vegetation and effectively catch its prey. The advantages provided by its wing and tail structure render the whiskered treeswift resistant to air currents and a highly capable flier.
Distribution and Habitat
Whiskered treeswift is common in the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It has been observed in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Myanmar. It particularly sustains its life in low-altitude tropical forests, riverbanks, and densely wooded areas.
Distribution Map (Source: The IUCN Red List)
Sound
The sound of the whiskered treeswift is soft and high-pitched. It generally emits short, repetitive calls. It can also perform calls while gliding in the air to communicate and mark its territory.
Whiskered Treeswift Sound (Source: Peter Boesman, xeno-cento.org)
Behavior and Ecology
Whiskered treeswift hunts by flying at the treetop level throughout the day. It catches insects by performing fast and agile maneuvers. It is generally observed alone or in small groups. It spends the night on tree branches and carefully selects places to nest.
Reproduction
The breeding season of this species occurs between February and August. Both female and male individuals actively participate in the construction of the nest. This nest is a small, semicircular structure, composed primarily of materials combined with saliva and thin twigs. The inside may contain feathers, and new materials can be added during the incubation period.
Female and Male Whiskered Treeswifts (Photo: Jjcat, flickr.com)
Their nests are very small and have just enough space to accommodate only a single egg. The egg stands upright in the nest. The thin and delicate walls of the nest are not strong enough to support the weight of an adult bird or a growing chick. Therefore, the parent incubating the egg crouches not directly on top of the nest but on the branch that supports the nest, so that the egg only comes into contact with the parent's belly. The nest is located on the upper surface of a thin branch that is 8 to 40 meters above the ground and, due to its natural appearance, blends well with its surroundings.
Whiskered Treeswift Nest and Chick (Photo: Ban Hor Ng, flickr.com)
The female lays a single white egg, and both parents participate in the incubation process and care for the chick. The incubation period lasts approximately three weeks. The chick leaves the nest about one week after hatching. In the first days, one of the parents feeds the chick by regurgitation (backward vomiting) from its throat. Over time, the chick learns to feed directly from the parent's mouth. It takes about 50 days for the chick to fully develop.
Feeding
Whiskered treeswift is an entirely insectivorous bird that hunts while in flight. Flying insects, butterflies, flies, and termites are its main food sources. It catches insects by gliding in the air or by making sudden dives.
Conservation Status
It is classified as Least Concern (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, deforestation and habitat loss may threaten its populations in some regions. The conservation of rainforests is of great importance for the protection of the species.
