Alternative names: Indo-Malayan Swiftlet; Robinson's Swiftlet; Lowe's Swiftlet
- Aerodramus maximus
Identification
With 12 to 14cm a quite large Swiftlet
- Glossy black-brown upperparts with uniform rump
- Grey underparts, palest on throat
- Shallowly forked tail
- In hand longer than Mossy-nest Swiftlet and Edible-nest Swiftlet
- Heavy tarsal feathering (Himalayan Swiftlet only little tarsal feathering)
Similar Species
Very similar to Edible-nest Swiftlet, Mossy-nest Swiftlet and Himalayan Swiftlet.
Distribution
Found in south-east Asia. From southernmost Myanmar over the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, western Java and Borneo. An isolated population in southern Vietnam.
Scarce to common in its range. Populations however are decreasing due to over harvesting of nests which are used for soups.
Taxonomy
Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Volcano Swiftlet, Himalayan Swiftlet and Indochinese Swiftlet have been placed in this species.
Subspecies
Three subspecies recognized:
- A.m. maximus (Robinson's Swift) in Myanmar, Vietnam, the Malay Peninsula and wester Java
- A.m. tichelmani on South-eastern Borneo
- A.m. lowi (Lowe's Swift) on Sumatra, Borneo and western Java
Habitat
Recorded over a variety of habitats, from lowlands to mountains and over deep forest. Usually near breeding caves.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Gregarious and often in big flocks together with Mossy-nest Swiftlet or other species. Most active at dawn and dusk.
Breeding
Breeding season between September and April. Nests in caves in big colonies, often together with Mossy-nest Swiftlet, Glossy Swiftlet and Edible-nest Swiftlet. The nest is made with feathers and large amounts of saliva and looks blackish. Capable of echolocation. Lays one egg. The nests are collected in some caves for the famous Chinese Swallow nest soup.
Resident.
