© Lars Petersson | My World of Bird Photography eBird S65189647 Macaulay Library ML 206088171
© Dave Bakewell
Nest © Francis Yap
© Dave Bakewell
Colony © Peter Seubert

Black-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus maximus

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

A small dark Aerodramus swiftlet that is nearly impossible to distinguish from closely-related species such as Mossy-nest and White-nest Swiftlets. Dark above and paler gray below; rump varies from dirty white to dark depending on subspecies. Tail averages more squared-off and less prominently forked than White-nest and Germain’s swiftlets, but best identified when on feather-and-saliva nests, which are dark, as the name suggests. Nests in large colonies in caves, often with other species of swiftlet. Chitters at nest, but usually fairly quiet.

POWERED BY MERLIN