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;[[:Category:Hydrochous|Hydrochous]] gigas | ;[[:Category:Hydrochous|Hydrochous]] gigas | ||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
− | A Swift | + | A large ''Colocalia'' Swiftlet, could be mistaken for House Swift ''Apus nepalensis'' in silhouette, but wing shape distinctly different, with no "bulge" on the inner primaries or obvious division between the primaries and secondaries. All dark with a slightly paler throat and underside of the remiges. In gliding flight wings are held slightly below the horizontal, unlike all other members of the genus which hold them horizontal. Does not "rock" from side to side like other Swiftlets. |
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==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
South-east [[Asia]]. Patchily distributed in mountains of the [[Malay Peninsula]], [[Sumatra]], [[Borneo]] and [[Java]].<br/> | South-east [[Asia]]. Patchily distributed in mountains of the [[Malay Peninsula]], [[Sumatra]], [[Borneo]] and [[Java]].<br/> |
Revision as of 11:17, 15 September 2009
- Hydrochous gigas
Identification
A large Colocalia Swiftlet, could be mistaken for House Swift Apus nepalensis in silhouette, but wing shape distinctly different, with no "bulge" on the inner primaries or obvious division between the primaries and secondaries. All dark with a slightly paler throat and underside of the remiges. In gliding flight wings are held slightly below the horizontal, unlike all other members of the genus which hold them horizontal. Does not "rock" from side to side like other Swiftlets.
Distribution
South-east Asia. Patchily distributed in mountains of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and Java.
Stronghold of the species is the Cibeureum Waterfall in Western Java, also seen regulary at Letter W Waterfall near Gunung Kerinci in Sumatra and around Mount Kinabalu in Borneo.
Restricted-range species, exact status unknown. Considered near-threatened.
Taxonomy
Uncertain affinities within the Swifts. Sometimes merged with Aerodramus in Collocalia, other authorities think that this species is not closely related to the Collocalia Swiftlets.
Monotypic.
Habitat
In mountainous rainforest around waterfalls.
Behaviour
Gregarious, often seen in flocks, sometimes with Cave Swiftlets or Brown-backed Needletails. Feeds on various insects, taken in flight, usually foraging at dawn or dusk.
Breeding recorded in April in Malaysia and from October to January on Java. Builds a nest at waterfall cliffs, lays usually one egg. Not capable of echolocation.
Believed to be a resident species, but further study needed.