Crested Treeswift

Overview

The crested treeswift is a large, slender tree swift that was formerly considered a subspecies of the gray-rumped treeswift. It is a common resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.

Identification

• 23 cm length with long, bowed wings and a deeply forked tail that appears narrow and pointed.
• Dove grey above with darker grey wings and white below; adults have a distinct crest.
• Males possess orange cheeks with a white streak under the eye, while females have a white stripe below the eye on grey coverts.
• Harsh call sounding like "kee-kyew" or a three-note "kip-kee-kep" emphasising the middle note.

Habitat

Inhabits open woodland, deciduous forests, and areas with scattered trees, including parks and gardens. Most individuals reside in lowland areas below 1000 m. The species has a wide distribution covering India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China.

Diet

Feeds exclusively in the air by capturing insects on the wing, including honey bees. They may also roost communally.

Did you know?

The nest is so tiny and shallow that an incubating adult may simply appear as a normal perched bird with a knot on the branch, as the egg is half-visible and covered by the bird's breast feathers.