From Opus

Alternative name: Giant Swiftlet

Hydrochous gigas

[edit] Identification

A large Collocalia Swiftlet, could be mistaken for House Swift in silhouette, but wing shape distinctly different, with no "bulge" on the inner primaries or obvious division between the primaries and secondaries. All dark with a slightly paler throat and underside of the remiges. In gliding flight wings are held slightly below the horizontal, unlike all other members of the genus which hold them horizontal. Does not "rock" from side to side like other Swiftlets.

[edit] Distribution

Poorly know. Definitly breeds in W. Java and on Mt. Kinabalu on Borneo. Has been recorded from Sumatra ( Padong Highlands ), mainland Malaysia ( Fraser's Hill ), Sarawak ( Kuching area ) and Sabah ( Kinabalu, Sandakan and Gomantong )

[edit] Taxonomy

Uncertain affinities within the Swifts. Sometimes merged with Aerodramus in Collocalia, other authorities think that this species is not closely related to the Collocalia Swiftlets.
Monotypic.

[edit] Habitat

In mountainous rainforest around waterfalls.

[edit] Behaviour

Gregarious, often seen in flocks, sometimes with Cave Swiftlets or Brown-backed Needletails. Feeds on various insects, taken in flight, usually foraging at dawn or dusk.
Breeding recorded in April in Malaysia and from October to January on Java. Builds a nest at waterfall cliffs, lays usually one egg. Not capable of echolocation.
Believed to be a resident species, but further study needed.

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages