Whitehead's swiftlet

Whitehead's swiftlet (Aerodramus whiteheadi) is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is endemic to the Philippines. It is named after the British explorer John Whitehead (1860–1899). Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Its status is insufficiently known.

Ebird describes it as "Uncommon dark swiftlet. Endemic to a smattering of the Philippines islands, from Luzon to Mindanao to Palawan. Habitat can be helpful in identifying this confusing species; generally favors ridges and slopes in montane and submontane areas above 700-800 meters. Readily confused with significantly larger Ameline Swiftlet, but present species has a more squared-off-looking tail (fork is shallow and often unnoticeable), tends to fly lower and more erratically, and more often forms flocks. Combination of dark rump, unglossed dark back, and medium size separates this species from Gray-rumped Swiftlet, Pygmy Swiftlet, and Ridgetop Swiftlet. Frequently calls while in flight, giving a squeaky chattering twitter."

Two subspecies are recognized:

• A. w whiteheadi – Found on Luzon, only records on Mt. Data
• A. w. origenis – Found on Mindanao

Diet is unknown but it is pressumed to have the typical diet of insects caught in flight. Nothing is known about its breeding behaviour except nests were collected on Mt. Apo from a hollow tree in July.

Its natural habitats are tropical montane forest beginning at 1,000 meters above sea level.

It is listed as data deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature with the population believed to be decreasing. Its difficulty to identify reliably, lack of records and inaccessibility of its montane habitat make it difficult to determine this species status. However, its habitat is threatened by deforestation from illegal logging, land conversion and mining.