Tahiti Swiftlet (Aerodramus leucophaeus) [XC74565]
by id from Pomarea Preserve, Tahiti, French Polynesia, France (call)
Subspecies
Genus often merged into Collocalia. Has been considered to form a superspecies with Atiu Swiftlet (Aerodramus sawtelli), or even to be conspecific, but apparently differs in nest habits. Subspecies ocistus (with gilliardi) sometimes considered a distinct species, being intermediate in some features between nominate subspecies and Atiu Swiftlet (Aerodramus sawtelli). Variation in relative pallor of rump within birds of Tahitian population led to past recognition of pale-rumped subspecies "thespesius", but this is now considered to fall within normal variation of nominate subspecies.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
leucophaeus (Peale, 1848) - Moorea and Tahiti (eastern Society Is).
ocistus (Oberholser, 1906) - Eiao, Nuku Hiva and Ua Huka (northern Marquesas). Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Marquesan Swiftlet (Collocalia ocista).
gilliardi (Somadikarta, 1994) - Ua Pu, Hiva Oa and Tahuata (southern Marquesas). Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Marquesan Swiftlet (Collocalia ocista).
Similar Species
Tahiti Swallow (Hirundo tahitica) which has a forked tail, glossier plumage above, dark chestnut throat.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet