Description:
The bird has a dark black head, wings, and tail. Its back is dark brown, with a lighter-colored belly. It features a wide, light-colored band on the flanks, with dark streaks along the body feathers. The down feathers on the back have white tips. The juvenile’s tail is quite deeply forked, with a row of feathers on the outer legs.
Biology:
Nesting occurs year-round (in cases of nest loss). Nests are constructed from saliva and black, indigestible body feathers. Breeding occurs from March to October. The ecological egg-laying rate is 61% (1-2 eggs/nest). The primary food source is small insects (99%). The main predator is humans.
Habitat and Ecology:
It coexists with the edible-nest swiftlet. Nests are built on islands and coastal rock caves.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Bình Định (Phước Mai peninsula, 4 pairs), Khánh Hòa (Chà Là Island, Nội Island, Ngoại Island: 50-60 pairs).
- World: Southern China, Gulf of Thailand.
Value:
Nests are used as medicine to treat asthma.
Status:
Few in number, over-exploited. Threat level: Vulnerable (R).
Proposed Conservation Measures:
Due to its association with the nesting sites and food sources of the edible-nest swiftlet, unmanaged population growth is not suitable. Instead, the population should be carefully managed, aiming for a population of 100-200 pairs to ensure genetic conservation. This can be achieved by refraining from harvesting nests for several years.