• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
The full range and population numbers of this species are entirely unknown, partly due to identification difficulties even with birds in the hand. Hence it is assessed as Data Deficient.

Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified. Further research is required.

Trend justification
The population is suspected to be in decline owing to on-going habitat destruction (del Hoyo et al. 1999).

This species is endemic to the Philippines, where it is known from only five mountain areas, one on Luzon (nominate whiteheadi), three on Mindanao (race origenis) (Collar et al. 1999), and one on Negros (at Mount Kanlaon) (Kennedy et al. 2000, L. Paguntalan in litt.). On Luzon, it was collected on Mt Data in 1895, where it was recorded again in 2005 (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2016). On Mindanao, it is known from Mt Apo in 1904 and Mts Kitanglad and Matutum in the 1990s, with specimens taken recently at an unnamed locality in South Cotabato (the same province as Mt Matutum). Recent sightings have been made on Mount Polis and Mount Kitanglad, and near Baguio (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2020). On Mindanao, eight adults, including an active nest with one fledgling was observed at 1,300 m at Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon in September 2018 (M. D. de Leon in litt.).

It occurs over forested mountains above 1,200 m elevation. Specimens of origenis were reportedly taken from a hollow tree, presumably when roosting. Several unidentified Aerodramus swiftlets mist-netted on a cliff face at Mt Kitanglad in 1997 were likely this species, and eight adults, including an active nest with one fledgling was observed at 1,300 m in a similar habitat (M. D. de Leon in litt.). It therefore seems likely that cliffs may be an important component of habitat preferences. The breeding season is poorly known, but a nest was taken in July, reportedly from cliffs. Additionally, four nests (undated) thought to have been made by the species were taken from a hollow tree. The recent nesting record on Mindanao including a fledgling was in September 2018. Its migratory status is uncertain.

Restricted range (if genuine) and habitat loss may combine to jeopardise the species. Mts Kitanglad and Matutum are under threat from illegal logging operations and, like Mt Apo, clearance for kaingin shifting agriculture.

Conservation Actions Underway
Mt Matutum Forest Reserve (140 km², of which 3,000 ha is primary forest) has been proposed as a national park. The Natural Parks at Mt Apo (644 km²) and Mt Kitanglad (313 km²) are CPPAP sites. Mount Kanlaon is a designated National Park (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2020). 

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct fieldwork using mist-netting to determine identification characters. Focus fieldwork on cliffs in montane forest in order to identify further important sites. Carry out studies at known sites to lay the basis for appropriate management strategies.

Text account compilers
Martin, R., Fernando, E.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Hutchinson, R., Lowen, J., North, A., Paguntalan, L., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & de Leon, M.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Whitehead's Swiftlet Aerodramus whiteheadi. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/whiteheads-swiftlet-aerodramus-whiteheadi on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.