Collocalia affinis Beavan, 1867

Taxonomy and Naming

The plume-toed swiftlet, scientifically named Collocalia affinis Beavan, 1867, measures 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 3.9 inches) in length and has a square tail.

Dorsal and Wing Coloration

Its back and the upper surface of its wings are uniformly dark greenish-blue with a moderate gloss.

Ventral Coloration

Its throat and upper breast are dark grey; this color blends into large greyish chevrons across the lower breast and flanks, and the belly area is usually white.

Toe Morphology

A tuft of small feathers grows on the hallux, the rear-facing toe of this bird.

Rump and Tail Markings

This species does not have a pale contrasting rump, and it also has no white spots on the inner webs of its tail feathers.