The Unique Feature of Edible Nest Swift
The Edible-Nest Swift is a species of swift belonging to the genus Collocalia. This type of bird is found primarily in South and Southeast Asia and is known for its unique nest-building behavior.
Unlike other species of swifts, the Edible-Nest Swift is one of two species that builds nests of swift saliva. They weave the saliva together with various feathers and other materials to form a gelatinous mass that can then be baked and consumed as a delicacy. The edible swift saliva nests can also be steeped in soups to release the flavor.
The Edible-Nest Swift has a unique plumage and is easily distinguishable from other species of swift. They have a white head, neck and breast with dark grey to black wings and back. The legs and bill are generally a bright red color. The Edible-Nest Swift lacks the typical forked tail found in other species of swift.
At first glance, the Edible-Nest Swift may appear commonplace and inconspicuous but it is anything but. This species of swift is unique in that it builds its nests from swift saliva. This unique behavior has made the Edible-Nest Swift a popular target for ornithology and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
How to Spot an Edible Nest Swift
The Edible-Nest Swift is most easily spotted in trees, perched on a branch or in flight. They are generally found in or around forest canopies and mangroves. While they may sometimes be seen in cities, they are more likely to be found in natural habitats.
When observing an Edible Nest Swift, it is important to look out for its distinct plumage. As mentioned earlier, they have a white head and neck and a dark black or grey back and wings. The bill and legs are brightly coloured and are a good indication that what you are looking at is indeed an Edible-Nest Swift.
The Life Cycle of the Edible Nest Swift
The Edible-Nest Swift is believed to migrate throughout South and Southeast Asia during breeding season, often to countries such as Malaysia, India and Indonesia. Upon arriving in their breeding sites, the Edible-Nest Swifts commence nest building with their saliva and other materials.
The nests take several days to construct, with the swifts nest building in groups of up to a dozen or more individuals at a time. Once the nest is built, both parents take turns in incubating the eggs. After the egg hatches, both parents partake in feeding the chick.
The Edible-Nest Swift usually fledges after roughly 2-3 weeks, after which they are ready to leave the nest and start their own life. They remain in their habitat throughout the non-breeding season, usually in groups of up to eight individuals or more.
Exploiting the Edible Nest Swift
The Edible-Nest Swift’s unique habit of building nests using its saliva has made it a popular target for exploitation. It is not uncommon to find nests of Edible-Nest Swifts being collected from the wild and sold for consumption as a delicacy in many Asian countries.
These edible swift saliva nests are considered to be a delicacy and are oftentimes steeped in soup to release their flavour. They are seen as a status symbol and expensive delicacy, with a single nest’s price ranging from $15-30 or more depending on the quality and size.
While it is not illegal to collect Edible-Nest Swift nests for consumption, overcollecting has had a negative impact on Edible-Nest Swift populations as these swifts take several days to build each nest and can only build a maximum of three per breeding season.
Protecting the Edible Nest Swift
The Edible-Nest Swift is among the list of threatened species and its numbers are continuing to decline due to over-consumption and habitat loss. In order to protect this unique species of swift, it is important that we take steps to ensure that this species of swift does not get further exploited.
One of the most important steps to take is to create awareness and educate people about the plight of the Edible-Nest Swift. By spreading the word and creating awareness, we can put pressure on governments and businesses to implement policies and regulations to protect this species.
Checking the labels of products that contain edible swift saliva nests is also an important step to take in order to protect the Edible-Nest Swift. Be sure to look for certification that these products are obtained from ethical sources, such as those that are wild-harvested only and not sourced from large scale harvesting operations.
We can also make an effort to support and fund conservation initiatives that help protect the Edible-Nest Swift and its habitats. Making small donations to organizations focused on protecting this unique species is just one of many ways to help.
Summing Up
The Edible-Nest Swift is a unique species of swift found primarily in South and Southeast Asia. It is one of two species that builds nests with its saliva and materials, a behavior which has made it a popular delicacy in many parts of Asia.
It is, however, important to ensure that the Edible-Nest Swift is not over-exploited and that its habitats are given due protection. This can be achieved through spreading awareness and educating people on the plight of the Edible-Nest Swift as well as supporting and funding conservation initiatives.