Scientific Name: Apus nipalensis
Malay Name: Lelayang-Sabit Rumah
Chinese Name: 小白腰雨燕 (xiǎo bái-yāo yǔ-yàn)
Range:
Found throughout Southeast Asia.
Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: nipalensis, subfurcatus, furcatus and 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 (IUCN 3.1)
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
Reference:
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
