Glossy Swiftlet Bird Details
Collocalia esculenta
Glossy Swiftlet,Cave Swiftlet;
Chandrakokila, Jhingur
Carl Linnaeus, 1758
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Collocalia
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, India ( Arunachal Pradesh and Assam)
Appearance :
The Glossy Swiftlet is a small bird with a glossy, dark plumage. Its body is streamlined, adapted for swift flight, and has a short, notched tail. The wings are long and pointed, allowing for agile maneuvers.
Behaviour :
These birds are highly social and often found in colonies. They communicate with a range of vocalizations and can be seen flying in groups, especially when foraging for food. They build nests made of saliva, which are harvested for bird's nest soup.
Habitat :
Glossy Swiftlets prefer tropical and subtropical forests, often nesting in caves or under overhangs in cliffs. They are typically found in mountainous regions and are commonly associated with limestone formations.
Diet :
Their diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates, which they catch in mid-air during flight.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Glossy Swiftlets are distributed across Southeast Asia, including countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Population Size :
Their population is stable, though local declines can occur due to habitat destruction.
Life Span :
The life span of Glossy Swiftlets is generally around 5 to 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Glossy Swiftlet has a streamlined body adapted for rapid flight, with a glossy appearance due to its dark plumage.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 17-20 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is small, with a rounded shape and a slightly flattened forehead.
- Eyes: The eyes are dark and relatively large, providing excellent vision for spotting insects during flight.
- Bill: The bill is short, slender, and slightly curved, well-suited for catching airborne prey.
- Bill Length: About 8-10 mm.
Length :
Typically ranges from 11 to 12 cm.
Neck :
The neck is short and somewhat inconspicuous due to the bird's streamlined body shape.
Size :
Small-sized bird.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and notched, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 5-6 cm.
- Feathers: The feathers are sleek and glossy, with a dark coloration that may appear iridescent in sunlight.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 10-15 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long and pointed, providing excellent aerodynamic efficiency.
Wing Span :
Approximately 24-28 cm.
Facial Feature :
Glossy Swiftlets have a small, rounded head with a relatively flat forehead. Their facial features are not highly pronounced, but they possess a small bill suited for catching insects in flight.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Glossy Swiftlets build their nests in caves or under cliff overhangs, often in colonies.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nests are primarily constructed from hardened saliva, which solidifies into a gelatinous material. This nest-building behavior is unique among birds and is essential for the bird's reproduction.
Breeding Season :
It generally occurs during the wet season.
Nesting Season :
In many areas, nesting can occur from March to July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically white to pale cream.
Egg Length :
The average length of the eggs is about 16-18 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The average width is around 10-12 mm.
- Egg Weight: The weight of the eggs ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 grams.
Clutch Size :
A typical clutch contains 1 to 3 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Glossy Swiftlets generally have one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts approximately 18 to 21 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period is about 25 to 30 days before the young birds fledge.
Vocalization :
These birds have a variety of vocalizations, including high-pitched chirps and whistles, which they use to communicate with each other in colonies.
Sex Demorphism :
There is minimal sexual dimorphism in Glossy Swiftlets. Males and females look very similar, making it difficult to differentiate between them based on appearance alone.
Migration Details :
Glossy Swiftlets are generally resident birds and do not undertake long migrations.
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