Nest-site Characteristics of the Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus (Thunberg, 1812) at Si-Ha Islands, Phattalung Province, Thailand

Abstract

Caves on the Si-Ha Islands, Phattalung Province, Thailand, used by Aerodramus fuciphagus as their breeding sites were examined for the nestsite characteristics in October 2000. One hundred and twenty-five nest sites from 25 nest patches were investigated for the texture of the cave wall. Results showed that the nest-site selection was determined by the unique character of the cave wall rather than by random choice. Most nest patches, ranging 1-80 m2, were found on the smooth surface of the inward-inclining walls. Nest sites characterized as smooth and concave with supporter were found in all nest patches. Supporters, protruding U-shaped rocks, were found in all nest patches and were used entirely by birds, suggesting that supporters play an important role in the nest survival and the breeding success. The data of nest-site characteristics are important for the development of the interior wall structure of the cultivated house.