Aerodramus fuciphagus (Thunberg, 1812)

Scientific Classification and Body Length

The edible-nest swiftlet, with the scientific name Aerodramus fuciphagus (Thunberg, 1812), is a medium-sized salangane that generally reaches 14 cm (5.5 in) in body length.

Body Coloration

Its slender body has blackish-brown coloration on the upperparts, while underparts range in color from white to blackish-brown.

Tail, Bill and Feet Characteristics

The tail is short with a slight notch, and both the bill and feet are black.

Leg and Tarsi Features

Its legs are very short, and the tarsi are usually unfeathered or lightly feathered.

Weight and Wing Structure

This species weighs between 15 and 18 g (0.53 to 0.63 oz), and has long, narrow wings.

Flight Wing Shape

When in flight, its swept-back wings have a crescent-like shape.

Subspecies Color Variation

Several subspecies differ in coloration: the subspecies micans is paler and greyer than the nominate subspecies; vestitus is dark, with a rump that is less obviously paler; subspecies germani has much paler underparts and a broad whitish rump; and amechanus is similar to germani, but has a greyer rump.