From Opus

Aerodramus germanus

Photo by kampang
Photo taken in Singapore

[edit] Identification

Length 12cm - a medium-sized Swiftlet

• Glossy black-brown upperparts with white (or grey in amechanus) rump
• Distinctive paler underparts
• Deeply forked tail
• Lightly feathered to naked tarsi

[edit] Similar Species

Very similar to Edible-nest Swiftlet, Black-nest Swiftlet, Mossy-nest Swiftlet and other Swiftlets in its range

[edit] Distribution

Found in South-east Asia. Along the coastline from Hainan (China) south over Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand to the Malay Peninsula. Also on N Borneo and the S Philippines (mainly Palawan).
Common in parts of its range but population declining due over harvesting of nests.

[edit] Taxonomy

Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Often considered conspecific with Edible-nest Swiftlet.
Two subspecies recognized:

• A.g.germanus in most of its range
• A.g. amechanus on Anambas Islands

[edit] Habitat

Recorded over a wide variety of habitats, forests, clearings, coast, lowlands and mountains.

[edit] Behaviour

Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Gregarious and often foraging in big flocks together with other Swiftlets and Swallows.
Breeding season differs through range, but mainly from September to April. Nests in caves in big colonies, often together with Mossy-nest Swiftlet, Glossy Swiftlet and Black-nest Swiftlet. Also frequently recorded breeding in villages and towns. The nest is made purely out of saliva and looks whitish. Capable of echolocation. Lays two eggs. The nests are collected in some caves for the famous Chinese Swallow nest soup.
Resident.

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages