edible-nest swiftlet

bird

Also known as: Collocalia fuciphaga

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June 25, 2026

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The edible-nest swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga) is a small bird, typically 9 to 15 cm (3.5 to 6 inches) long, found in Southeast Asia and neighboring islands. These swiftlets are known for their unique nests, which are constructed primarily from the dried, glutinous secretions of their salivary glands. These nests are commercially harvested and are the key ingredient in the famous bird's nest soup.123

Swiftlets are part of the swift family (Apodidae) and are remarkable for their ability to navigate dark caves using echolocation, emitting audible clicking sounds. While most swifts are aerial insectivores, swiftlets' nests are their most significant feature in terms of human interaction.41

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apodiform
Importance to humans
…nest of one species, the edible-nest swiftlet (C. fuciphaga), is composed almost entirely of concentric layers of this salivary cement. These nests and, to a lesser extent, those of some other swiftlets are gathered commercially in the East Indies and form the base for the famous bird’s-nest soup of the…
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…nest of one species, the edible-nest swiftlet (C. fuciphaga), is composed almost entirely of concentric layers of this salivary cement. These nests and, to a lesser extent, those of some other swiftlets are gathered commercially in the East Indies and form the base for the famous bird’s-nest soup of the…
Read More