“[House (Pacific) Swallow (Hirundo tahitica javanica) is] a common bird but one that still is quite endearing. Has grown in volume in the city and surrounding areas over the years.
“Usually calls while on the wing but also at rest. Hard to capture these calls but happened to be in a relatively quieter location, at a large ex-mining pool and the bird was sitting on a pole over the water for some time, calling out frequently. Managed to make some recordings (handheld videos) so I am certain these calls belong to the bird.
“…recording of calls here (have been amplified but no noise reduction) and there is some background bird noise (a bulbul in one
and tailor bird in another)… 1056_AmarSingh_190910_calls-2a_Ipoh-Perak-Malaysia_linestone-hills. But can still hear clearly the sharp calls these birds make. There are variety of soft calls made (listen to recording here: 1056_AmarSingh_190910_calls-3a_Ipoh-Perak-Malaysia_limestone-hills.
When calling the throat gets puffed up (see composite pictures above) but only if the beak is not opened fully.
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Limestone hills surrounding Ipoh City, Perak, Malaysia
19th September 2010