The black-nest swiftlet is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from Myanmar and Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and much of Indonesia to the Philippines and Vietnam. It is closely tied to limestone and sea caves for nesting, including coastal cliffs and karst systems. Foraging takes place over lowland and montane tropical forests, along rivers, and over coastal waters. It also occasionally ranges over agricultural lands and settlements while feeding. Colonies are often long-lived at traditional cave sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This swiftlet builds dark, feather-rich nests using hardened saliva, which have historically been harvested for bird’s nest soup. It nests colonially in caves and uses simple echolocation clicks to navigate in total darkness. Management of cave harvesting sites is important to prevent overexploitation of colonies.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, scything arcs; agile aerial flier
Social Behavior
Highly colonial during the breeding season, nesting in clusters on cave walls and ceilings. Both sexes contribute saliva to build the dark, feather-laced nest and share incubation and chick rearing. Strong site fidelity leads colonies to return to the same caves for many years.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
In flight it gives thin, rapid twittering calls. Inside caves it produces audible clicking notes used for simple echolocation, often heard as a series of dry, metallic ticks.
