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Pacific Swallow building nest

on 26th December 2009

“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.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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