Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence under 20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (under 10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be over 10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (over 30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as common in the Marquesas (del Hoyo et al. 1999). The population size of A. l. leucophaeus is estimated to be below 1,000 birds based on analyses of available records. Although there is very little information available, the one monitored colony of A. l. leucophaeus appears to be stable; thus, the remainder of the population is also suspected to be stable. Populations on the Marquesas are suspected to be stable in the absence of any evidence of declines or substantial threats.
Trend justification
Although there is very little information available, the one monitored colony of A. l. leucophaeus appears to be stable; thus, the remainder of the population is also suspected to be stable. Populations on the Marquesas are suspected to be stable in the absence of any evidence of declines or substantial threats.
Aerodramus leucophaeus breeds on Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. The nominate leucophaeus breeds only on Tahiti in the Society Islands, French Polynesia, where it was recorded in five valleys in 1971-1974 (Holyoak and Thibault 1984), and in six valleys (out of 39 visited) during the period 1986-1991 (Monnet et al. 1993), apparently never having been abundant in the 20th century (Holyoak and Thibault 1984). The population of this form is estimated to be below 1,000 birds and stable. It was formerly encountered on Huahine and (possibly) Bora Bora, while records from Moorea in 1973 may have referred to vagrants from Tahiti (Holyoak and Thibault 1984, Monnet et al. 1993, P. Raust in litt. 1999, 2012). A. l. ocistus and A. l. gilliardi are common on the Marquesas Islands, occurring on Eiao, Nuku Hiva and Ua Huka, and Ua Pu, Hiva Oa and Tahuata respectively.
It prefers wet, rocky and forested valleys at high elevations (Pratt et al. 1987). It nests either in shallow depressions under overhanging rocks and coastal cliffs, or caves (Pratt et al. 1987, Chantler and Driessens 1995).
Conservation Actions Underway
The population of A. l. leucophaeus at Papehue valley is monitored regularly.
10 cm. Small, dark swift. All sooty-brown, slightly lighter below. Square tail. Similar spp. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica has forked tail, glossier plumage above, dark chestnut throat. Voice Dry trill trrrr.
Text account compilers
Rutherford, C.A.
Contributors
Blanvillain, C., Raust, P. & Thibault, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Polynesian Swiftlet Aerodramus leucophaeus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/polynesian-swiftlet-aerodramus-leucophaeus on 22/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 22/12/2024.