Indian Swiftlet Bird Details
Aerodramus unicolor
Indian Swiftlet,Indian Edible-Nest Swiftlet;
Bhartiya Swiftlet
Thomas Caverhill Jerdon, 1840
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Aerodramus
India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Other parts of Southeast Asia.
Appearance :
Glossy blackish-brown upperparts with a white belly. The throat is also white, and there are some grayish tones on the wings and tail.
Behaviour :
Typically found in small flocks, especially in breeding colonies. Uses a series of chirps and twittering sounds.
Habitat :
Mainly inhabits forested areas near cliffs, caves, and urban environments where there are tall buildings or structures mimicking natural nesting sites. Often found at elevations ranging from sea level to about 2,000 meters.
Diet :
Insectivorous, primarily feeding on small insects and aerial plankton while in flight. Catches prey by skimming through the air with open mouths.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Predominantly found in South and Southeast Asia. In India, the Indian Swiftlet is mainly seen in the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and some parts of northeastern India.
Population Size :
Populations are believed to be stable in areas with suitable habitats.
Life Span :
Generally ranges between 5 to 10 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Slim and streamlined, adapted for fast flight.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 15–18 mm (0.6–0.7 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: Small with a rounded shape, featuring a smooth contour.
- Eyes: Dark and relatively large compared to the head, providing good vision for aerial foraging.
- Bill: Short and slightly curved, suited for catching insects mid-flight.
- Bill Length: About 9–10 mm (0.35–0.4 inches).
Length :
Ranges from 12 to 13 cm (4.7 to 5.1 inches).
Neck :
Short and not very distinct; blends into the body.
Size :
Small-sized bird, lightweight and agile.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Forked, which aids in swift maneuvers during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 inches).
- Feathers: Soft and silky, providing an aerodynamic advantage; generally glossy on the upperparts and white on the belly.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 10–15 grams (0.35–0.53 ounces).
Wing :
Long, pointed wings that are adapted for high-speed flight and agile maneuvers.
Wing Span :
Approximately 28–30 cm (11–11.8 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Indian Swiftlet has a small, rounded head with a short bill. The face is relatively unadorned, lacking prominent features.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Indian Swiftlet builds cup-shaped nests that are usually placed on vertical surfaces in caves, cliffs, or overhangs.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nests are primarily constructed using saliva, which hardens upon exposure to air, along with feathers and other plant materials.
Breeding Season :
Generally occurs during the pre-monsoon season, which varies regionally; in India, it often peaks around late April to early June.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically white or pale, with a smooth texture.
Egg Length :
Approximately 15–18 mm (0.6–0.7 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 12–14 mm (0.5–0.55 inches).
- Egg Weight: Roughly 2–3 grams (0.07–0.11 ounces) per egg.
Clutch Size :
Generally consists of 1 to 3 eggs per nesting attempt.
No. of Broods :
Swiftlets usually raise 1 to 2 broods per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 18 to 20 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestlings fledge around 25 to 30 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
They produce a series of high-pitched chirps and twittering sounds, especially during the breeding season for communication and mating displays.
Sex Demorphism :
There is little to no noticeable sexual dimorphism; males and females look similar in size and coloration.
Migration Details :
The Indian Swiftlet is generally resident in its range and does not exhibit extensive migratory behavior. However, local movements may occur in response to food availability.