From Opus

Alternative names: Mossy Swiftlet, Sunda Swiftlet

Aerodramus salanganus

[edit] Identification

A medium sized Swiftlet (12cm), very similar to Edible-nest Swiftlet and Black-nest Swiftlet.

• Uniform black-brown upperparts
• Uniform pale brown underparts
• Tail shallowly forked

From other Swiftlets in its range only identifiable in hand or at nest!

[edit] Distribution

Found in South-east Asia on N Borneo (possibly also in the south), Java, W Sumatra and some small islands off Borneo and Sumatra.
Locally common or abundant. True status in some parts uncertain due to identification problems. One record from the Philippines.

[edit] Taxonomy

Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Formerly considered conspecific with Uniform Swiftlet, Palau Swiftlet, Guam Swiftlet and Caroline Swiftlet. The five species form now a superspecies. Two subspecies of Uniform Swiftlet on Sulawesi are sometimes placed in this species.
Four subspecies recognized:

• A.s. salangana on Java
• A.s. aerophilus on Nias and other islands west of Sumatra
• A.s. natunae on Borneo, possibly also on Sumatra and Natuna Island
• A.s. maratua on Maratua Archipelago (north-east from Borneo)

[edit] Habitat

Found over different habitat around breeding caves. Feeds close at nest, prefering primary forest.

[edit] Behaviour

Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Gregarious and often seen with other Swiftlets or Swifts. Feeds at lower levels and closer to nest than Black-nest Swiftlet. Most active during dawn or dusk.
Nests colonial in caves, often together with Black-nest Swiftlet. Capable of echolocation. Nest build with vegetable matter and hold together with little transparent saliva, so nest is soft and moist. Lays two eggs.
Thought to be resident.

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages