Image via Macaulay Library
Christmas Island Swiftlet
- Scientific name
- Collocalia natalis
- Family
- Apodidae
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Habitat
- Forest deciduous
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Christmas Island swiftlet is a species of swift endemic to the small, remote Australian territory of Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. Taxonomically classified as Collocalia natalis, this bird evolved in relative isolation, leading to its status as a distinct avian representative of the island's unique ecosystem. It is characterized by its slender, pointed wings and a distinctively notched tail, features that optimize its performance for high-speed aerial hunting of insects.
The bird was traditionally treated as a subspecies of the glossy swiftlet, but modern ornithological consensus recognizes it as a separate species due to its specific morphology and isolated range. Its evolutionary history is deeply tied to the limestone caves and dense rainforests of Christmas Island, where it remains a vital part of the local biological heritage. The species has historically faced pressure from environmental shifts on the island, prompting ongoing conservation interest from researchers studying island biogeography.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Christmas Island Swiftlet
Christmas Island Swiftlet is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Christmas Island Swiftlet on collecto.rs?
Christmas Island Swiftlet doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Christmas Island Swiftlet?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Christmas Island Swiftlet catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Christmas Island Swiftlet is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
