Echolocation acuity of the Palawan Swiftlet (Aerodramus palawanensis)
COLLlNS C. and MURPHY R.Abstract:
Echolocation acuity trials were conducted on Palawan Swiftlets (Aerodramus palawanensis) under natural conditions in Palawan, Philippine lslands. Detection of 3.2 mm diameter obstacles was significantly less than for 6.3 mm and 10 mm obstacles. These results are consistent with previous laboratory trials conducted on other swiftlets. They confirm that although echolocation is used for orientation in cave nesting and roosting areas it is unlikely to be effective in detecting their typically small « 5 mm) food iterns.