Hovering swooper (SciiFii)

The hovering swooper (Volitantornis vulgaris) is a species of swallow (Hirundinidae) that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relatives of the hovering swooper are the swallows of the genus Hirundo, including barn swallows (Hirundo rustica). The hovering swooper grows on average to be about 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) in length. The hovering swooper, as its name suggests, is a fast-flying aerial insect hunter that tends to hover in place, using its long and powerful wings to help the bird hover and fly very efficiently, and then dart away once they spot suitable prey and then chase it down. It can occasionally catch other small prey such as small lizards. It uses its speed and agility to try and outwit the many predators that target it, such as falcons and owls. However, its most defining trait is the fact that this species is social and nests in underground colonies in large numbers where all birds help to excavate tunnels and nesting cavities, which may have multiple entrance holes depending on the number of birds nesting. The nest is maintained for several years and the walls reinforced with clay and saliva, which hardens to form a sort of natural concrete. The hovering swoopers never stray too far from their colonies, and have a mental map of all the nest entrances in the area. In the case of the predator attack, the birds will dive-bomb into the holes in the ground to escape predators. The entrance hole is just a straight drop for several meters, and ends in a large central chamber filled with grass in order to create a soft landing place. The hovering swoopers let out the shrill calls as they dive-bomb in order to alert other individuals to get out of the way. If the nest's entrance gets blocked, the birds will dig randomly in order to find the way out. During the breeding seasons, a new partner of separate genders is taken. Pairs are formed in spring during the start of the breeding seasons, and they tend to perform aerial acrobatics in order to strengthen their bond before mating occurs. The rufous head patch is used to signal strength to a potential partner, colors grow dull in sick individuals. The female lays 2 eggs and parental duties are shared between the pair. The average lifespan of the hovering swooper is between 3-4 years, although there are reports of individuals living between 5-7 years. The conservation status of the hovering swooper is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the hovering swooper's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii