Crested Treeswift

The crested treeswift, a bird of elegant poise, is a large, slender species measuring approximately 23 cm in length. Exhibiting a dove grey coloration above and a pristine white below, it is adorned with long, swept-back wings that are a darker shade of grey. A notable feature of this bird is its crest, accompanied by a long and deeply forked tail, which in flight, gives the impression of being narrow and pointed.

Identification Tips

Adult males can be distinguished by their orange cheeks and ear coverts, with a narrow white streak under the eye and a faint white supercilium. Females, on the other hand, are characterized by a thin white stripe running below the eye along the cheek. Juveniles present a dark grey head and wings with white-edged feathers, and their soft plumage is streakier compared to that of the adults.

Habitat

The crested treeswift is found in open woodland and deciduous forests, as well as open areas near trees, parks, and gardens. They typically inhabit lowlands below 1000 meters.

Distribution

This common resident breeder graces the Indian subcontinent, with its range extending to India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and China.

Behaviour

Small groups of crested treeswifts can be observed flying in wide circles in open forest, occasionally perching atop tall, leafless trees in a very upright posture. When perched, they may roost communally.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the crested treeswift includes a harsh "kee-kyew" or a three-note "kip-kee-kep," with the middle note typically emphasized.

Breeding

The breeding season peaks during the hottest part of summer, from March to July. The species constructs a tiny, thin-walled, and shallow nest made of bark and feathers, secured with saliva to the side of an exposed tree branch. Both sexes share the responsibility of incubating the single blue-grey egg. The nest is so diminutive that incubating birds may appear as if they are merely perched on a branch with a knot.

Diet and Feeding

Crested treeswifts feed on the wing, capturing insects, including honey bees, with their bills. Their aerial foraging is a spectacle of agility and precision.

Conservation status

With a very large range and a stable population size, the crested treeswift is deemed relatively common and is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.

In the voice of David Attenborough: "The crested treeswift, a master of the skies, continues to thrive across the vast landscapes of the Indian subcontinent, enchanting birdwatchers with its graceful flight and distinctive silhouette."