tiki Ryan Photographic - Apodidae


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There are around 100 species of swift and swiftlet. The family is found on all continents (except Antarctica). Believed to be related to the hummingbirds, swifts are the fastest birds in level flight, with the white-throated needletail reportedly reaching 105 mph (169 kph). Many species nest on vertical surfaces, using saliva to cement the nests. Two species make nests entirely out of saliva, and the Chinese make bird's nest soup from them (like most, if not all, Chinese beliefs about animals and animal parts there are no known health benefits from the dish). Many swiftlets echolocate, navigating in pitch black caves to reach their nests/roosts. Their family name Apodidae means "no feet". This name stems from the old belief that swifts and swiftlets lacked feet.


Acochlidium fijiense

Aerodramus spodiopygius, White-rumped swiftlet on nest, Sigatoka Cave, Vitilevu, Fiji

Aerodramus spodiopygius, White-rumped swiftlets on nest, Sigatoka Cave, Viti Levu, Fiji


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