White-nest Swiftlet Bird Details
Aerodramus fuciphagus
White-nest Swiftlet,Edible-nest Swiftlet;
NA
Carl Peter Thunberg, 1812
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Aerodramus
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and parts of West Bengal).
Appearance :
The White-nest Swiftlet has a slender body with long, pointed wings and a short tail. Its plumage is mostly dark brown or blackish on the upper parts, with paler underparts. Adults have a distinctive white or pale creamy nest, which is built from hardened saliva.
Behaviour :
These birds are highly social and often found in large flocks. They are known for their vocalizations and can often be seen flying together, especially in the evening when they return to roost.
Habitat :
White-nest Swiftlets typically inhabit limestone caves and overhanging cliffs. They are also found in human-made structures such as buildings and warehouses.
Diet :
Their diet primarily consists of aerial insects, which they catch while flying. They are agile fliers, capable of catching insects on the wing.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are found throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Population Size :
Exact population estimates are difficult to determine.
Life Span :
The lifespan of the White-nest Swiftlet in the wild can range from 5 to 10 years, though some may live longer.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The White-nest Swiftlet has a streamlined body adapted for swift flying. It features long, pointed wings and a relatively short tail, which aid in its agile flight.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body, with a rounded shape. The coloration is typically dark brown or blackish.
- Eyes: The eyes are small and dark, positioned to provide a wide field of vision.
- Bill: The bill is slender and slightly curved, suited for catching insects in flight.
- Bill Length: Approximately 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 inches).
Length :
The total body length ranges from 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 inches).
Neck :
The neck is short and not particularly prominent, as is typical for swiftlets.
Size :
The size is small to medium among swiftlets, with a compact body.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and forked, aiding in quick maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches).
- Feathers: The plumage is sleek and glossy, providing some aerodynamic advantages. The feathers are typically dark above and lighter below, contributing to the bird's camouflage.
Weight :
The weight typically ranges from 10–15 grams (0.35–0.53 ounces).
Wing :
The wings are long and pointed, optimized for fast, agile flight, which is characteristic of swiftlets.
Wing Span :
The wingspan can range from 24–28 cm (9.4–11 inches).
Facial Feature :
The White-nest Swiftlet has a small, rounded head with a slight indentation. Its eyes are positioned for a wide field of vision, essential for spotting insects while flying.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nests are typically cup-shaped and built in colonies.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed primarily from hardened saliva, which the birds produce and shape into nests.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period can vary based on geographical location but generally occurs from February to July.
Nesting Season :
The nesting period for the White-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) typically occurs from February to July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually a pale white or creamy color.
Egg Length :
The length of the eggs is approximately 2.2 to 2.5 cm (0.87 to 0.98 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is around 1.6 to 1.8 cm (0.63 to 0.71 inches).
- Egg Weight: The weight of each egg typically ranges from 5 to 6 grams (0.18 to 0.21 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Typically, the clutch size is 1 to 2 eggs.
No. of Broods :
White-nest Swiftlets generally raise 1 to 2 broods per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 21 to 25 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the nestlings remain dependent on their parents for food for approximately 30 to 35 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
They are known for their high-pitched, twittering calls. Their vocalizations can vary, especially during social interactions and courtship displays.
Sex Demorphism :
There is little to no noticeable sexual dimorphism in adult White-nest Swiftlets;
Migration Details :
White-nest Swiftlets are primarily sedentary and do not engage in long-distance migration. However, they may make local movements in search of food or suitable nesting sites.