Habitat can be helpful in identifying this confusing species; generally favors ridges and slopes in montane and submontane areas above 700-800 meters.

Readily confused with significantly larger Ameline Swiftlet, but present species has a more squared-off-looking tail (fork is shallow and often unnoticeable), tends to fly lower and more erratically, and more often forms flocks.

[3] Its natural habitats are tropical montane forest beginning at 1,000 meters above sea level.

It is listed as data deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature with the population believed to be decreasing.

Its difficulty to identify reliably, lack of records and inaccessibility of its montane habitat make it difficult to determine this species status.