Pacific Swallow building nest
Posted by BESG on 26 December 09, Saturday
Contributed by Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
“Saw a number of Pacific Swallows (Hirundo tahitica javanica) building their nests on a vertical surface (left). This location is under a highway crossing/bridge (cement) next to a river, where lots of mud is available. Both partners were involved in nest building, although one (?female) seemed more busy than the other
“The base of the nest is made of mud pellets, the birds using their bills to smoothen and push the pellets together. Materials such as dry grass, rootlets and feathers are used to line the nest. In this particular nest where it was built close to the ceiling, the space between the top of the nest and the ceiling is lined with such material leaving a small opening by the side for entry by the birds (below left).
“According to Wells (2007), nesting is usually seen in February to June, thus 6th December is early.
“Some of the old nests have been taken over by some cheeky sparrows, after making some modifications (below right).”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Tambun, Perak, Malaysia
6th December 2009
Reference:
Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.
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