Scientific Name: Apus nipalensis
Malay Name: Layang-layang Sabit Biasa
Chinese Name: 小白腰雨燕
Range:
Found throughout Southeast Asia.
Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: nipalensis, subfurcatus, furcatus, kuntzi.
Local Subspecies: subfurcatus
Size: 14-15 cm
Identification:
Overall blackish plumage with whitish throat, broad clear white rump-band, long scimitar-shaped wings and squarish tail that is only slightly notched.
Similar looking species: Pacific Swift
Habitat: Forested, open and urban areas.
Behaviour/Ecology: Feeds on flying insects, mainly flying ants, termites, bees, wasps and beetles. They also go for other tidbits that they can snatch on the wing like spiders.
Local Status: Formerly common but now a scarce resident.
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: Central Catchment Forest, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Bishan Park, Pinnacle@Duxton, Punggol Barat, Lorong Halus, Tuas South and Pulau Ubin.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Apus nipalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. Downloaded on 2 September 2021
Robson, C. (2008). A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers.