Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Crested treeswift

Hemiprocne coronata

Samuel Tickell, 1833

In Thai: นกแอ่นฟ้าหงอน

The crested treeswift (Hemiprocne coronata) is a kind of tree swift. The tree swifts are aerial near passerine birds, closely related to, but distinct from the true swifts. They are restricted to southeast Asia and Australasia.

It was formerly considered conspecific with its eastern relative, the grey-rumped treeswift (Hemiprocne longipennis), but they do not interbreed where their ranges overlap.

Description

The crested treeswift is a large slender bird at 23 cm length. This species is dove grey above and white below. The long swept-back wings are a darker grey above. This treeswift has a crest and a long, deeply forked tail. The adult male has orange sides to its face. Young birds have a dark grey head and wings, but the rest of the soft plumage is much streakier than that of the adults.

The call of this species is a harsh kee-kyew.

Distribution and habitat

The crested treeswift is a common resident breeder from the Indian subcontinent. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China.

These are birds of open woodland and deciduous forests. They are also found in open areas near trees and in parks and gardens. Most birds live in areas with altitudes of no more than 365 m.

Behaviour

The crested treeswift builds a tiny nest which is glued to an exposed tree branch. It lays one blue-grey egg, which is incubated by both sexes. The nest is so small that incubating birds perch upright on the edge of the nest, covering the egg with their underparts feathers.

The crested treeswift feeds in the air, living on the insects it catches in its bill. It looks more like a swallow in flight than a swift, but is unrelated to that group. Unlike the true swifts, the treeswifts readily rest on high bare tree branches.

Status

The crested treeswift has a very large range, the population size seems stable and it is considered relatively common. For these reasons, the IUCN has listed it as being of "Least Concern".

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Category / Seasonal Status

BCST Category: Recorded in an apparently wild state within the last 50 years

BCST Seasonal status: Resident or presumed resident

Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Apodiformes
Family
Hemiprocnidae
Genus
Hemiprocne
Species
Hemiprocne coronata

Common names

  • Thai: นกแอ่นฟ้าหงอน

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Photos

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Crested treeswift
Crested treeswift

Range Map

Distribution map of Crested treeswift, Hemiprocne coronata in Thailand
  • Chae Son National Park
  • Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai
  • Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai
  • Doi Inthanon National Park
  • Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai
  • Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park
  • Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai
  • Doi Suthep - Pui National Park
  • Erawan National Park
  • Hang Chat District, Lampang
  • Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Huai Nam Dang National Park
  • Kaeng Krachan National Park
  • Kaset Sombun District, Chaiyaphum
  • Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Khon San District, Chaiyaphum
  • Khun Chae National Park
  • Khun Tan District, Chiang Rai
  • Lam Nam Nan National Park
  • Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai
  • Mae Ngao National Park
  • Mae Ping National Park
  • Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai
  • Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai
  • Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai
  • Mueang Surin District, Surin
  • Mueang Tak District, Tak
  • Nam Nao National Park
  • Namtok Mae Surin National Park
  • Noen Maprang District, Phitsanulok
  • Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Pa Sang District, Lamphun
  • Pai District, Mae Hong Son
  • Pang Tong Royal Forest Park
  • Pha Daeng National Park
  • Pha Taem National Park
  • Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
  • Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Phu Suan Sai National Park
  • Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi
  • Sai Yok National Park
  • Sakaerat Environmental Research Station
  • Salak Pra Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Salawin National Park
  • San Sai District, Chiang Mai
  • Si Satchanalai National Park
  • Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi
  • Sri Nakarin Dam National Park
  • Tha Takiap District, Chachoengsao
  • Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park
  • Tham Saeng Tham Phrommawat Forest Park
  • Thap Lan National Park
  • Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
  • Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai
Range map of Hemiprocne coronata in Thailand