Germain's Swiftlet (Aerodramus germani)

OTHER NAMES: German's Swiftlet, Oustalet's Swiftlet

Latin Etymology: Aerodramus ("air run") germani ("German's")

Adult Germain's Swiftlet (subspecies A. g. germani) at Malacca, Malaysia - July 2016

Featured Subspecies: Aerodramus germani germani
Weight: 13-14g/kg  /  Length: 12cm  /  Wingspan: 27cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The swiftlet species of Malaysia provide a bit of an identification quandry - they are very similar in physical and appearance to the point where two of the species can most reliably be identified by the colour of their nests.  Germain's Swiftlet is apparently a little paler than the Edible-nest and Black-nest, but is fairly similar throughout.  It struck me an interesting at the time that the swiftlet species I saw far more resembled what would be a martin's shape in Europe - far more compact and without that same scythe-blade like wings that defines the full on swifts. This picture is certainly of one of these swiftlet species, but I must admit to having to rely on others for specific claims of identity.

Related Species:

Order: Apodiformes

Family: Apodidae

Genus: Aerodramus

SUBSPECIES: A. g. germani, A. g. amechanus

 - Sighting Locations -

CAMBODIA - Khmer - ត្រចៀកកាំមធ្យម
Common.

 - CAMBODIA/SINGAPORE 2019 TRIP: Common over Siem Reap

MALAYSIA - Malay - ?

Common

 - MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: Seemingly abundant throughout at Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, specific identification difficult.
SINGAPORE - Common.

 - MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: Seemingly abundant, specific identification difficult.
 - CAMBODIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: Seen in Ang Mo Kio.

Further Notes:  BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto