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Pygmy Swiftlet

Collocalia troglodytes


Spotted 15M in Bual Cave (Sto. Rosario Cave System), Brgy. San Pedro, Mabini, Pangasinan. The Pygmy Swiftlet (Collocalia troglodytes) is a species of swift in the Apodidae family. It is endemic to the Philippines. At under 9 cm (3.5 in), it the world's smallest swift.


Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.


Photo by Jerry Rendon

1 species ID suggestions

Pygmy Swiftlet
Collocalia troglodytes Pygmy Swiftlet


YW Gerardo

Gerardo Aizpuru
Gerardo Aizpuru 6 years ago

Thanks BalincaguinConservancy

Thank Liam, I'm leaning towards Collocalia troglodytes and confirmation is requested.

Liam 6 years ago

This may help you narrow down the ID:

Gerardo, they do emit clicking sounds within our hearing range for their echolocation. More here:

Maria dB
Maria dB 6 years ago

Oh that's nice. I was wondering if it had been injured. Thanks!

This one flew into one of our cavers in a tight passage & she was able to hold it just long enough to take this shot and was released unharmed immediately.

ooops, you're right, Nopayahnah, I'll delete the previous one since discussions have begun here.

Gerardo Aizpuru
Gerardo Aizpuru 6 years ago

Can you tell us about there echolocation to navigate in total darkness in the caves?

Gerardo Aizpuru
Gerardo Aizpuru 6 years ago

Nice spotting!

Maria dB
Maria dB 6 years ago

It is nice. Why did you post it twice? And why were you holding it?

KarenL 6 years ago


Alaminos, Pangasinan, Philippines

Lat: 16.05, Long: 119.93

Spotted on Mar 2, 2011
Submitted on Mar 2, 2012


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