Edible-nest Swiftlet
Aerodramus fuciphagus
The Edible-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) is a uncommon swift found in 14 countries, weighing about 11 g. The edible-nest swiftlet, also known as the white-nest swiftlet, is a small bird of the swift family which is found in Southeast Asia.
About the Edible-nest Swiftlet
The edible-nest swiftlet, also known as the white-nest swiftlet, is a small bird of the swift family which is found in Southeast Asia. Its opaque and whitish nest is made exclusively of solidified saliva and is the main ingredient of bird's nest soup, a delicacy of Chinese cuisine. Germain's swiftlet is now treated as conspecific with this species.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The edible-nest swiftlet, generally with a body length of 14 cm (5.5 in), is a medium-sized representative of the salanganes. The upper part of the slender body is blackish-brown; the under part of the body ranges in colour from white to blackish-brown. The tail is short and has a slight notch. The bill and feet are black. Legs are very short and tarsi are usually unfeathered or lightly feathered. It weighs 15 to 18 g (0.53 to 0.63 oz) and the wings are long and narrow. In flight the swept-back wings resemble a crescent.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Australia.
When to see it
The Edible-nest Swiftlet can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Edible-nest Swiftlet?
- The edible-nest swiftlet, generally with a body length of 14 cm (5.5 in), is a medium-sized representative of the salanganes. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Edible-nest Swiftlet?
- The Edible-nest Swiftlet is a tiny sized bird weighing about 11 g.
- Where can you see an Edible-nest Swiftlet?
- The Edible-nest Swiftlet occurs in 14 countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
- What birds look similar to an Edible-nest Swiftlet?
- The Edible-nest Swiftlet is most easily confused with the Indian Swiftlet, the Australian Swiftlet and the Himalayan Swiftlet.
- Is the Edible-nest Swiftlet endangered?
- The Edible-nest Swiftlet is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Edible-nest Swiftlet for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.