The Seram Swiftlet, also known as the Moluccan Swiftlet, is a small bird belonging to the swift family Apodidae. It is endemic to the island of Seram in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, and is found only in the lowland forests on the island.
The Seram Swiftlet measures about 10 centimeters in length and weighs around 10 grams. Its plumage is mainly black, with a slightly glossy appearance. The bird has a short tail, long swept-back wings, a short and pointed bill, and a wide gape that enables it to catch flying insects in mid-air.
The Seram Swiftlet is a highly social bird that lives in large colonies, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand individuals. These colonies are typically found in dark, wet caves or in crevices in cliffs, and can be located near bodies of water like rivers or lakes. The birds use echolocation to navigate through the caves and to identify their nesting sites.
Breeding in the Seram Swiftlet takes place throughout the year, with the birds laying one to two eggs per clutch. The eggs are incubated by both parents for about 20 days, after which the hatchlings are born blind and naked. The parents feed the chicks with regurgitated food, with both adults taking turns to forage for food. The chicks fledge after about 30 days and become independent soon after.
The Seram Swiftlet is an insectivorous bird, feeding mainly on flying insects like moths, butterflies, and flies. It is also known to feed on spiders, which it catches in mid-air. The bird is an important insect predator in the ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations in the forest.
However, the Seram Swiftlet is facing threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and forest degradation. Human activity on the island has caused significant damage to the lowland forests, leading to the decline in the bird's population. In addition, the birds are hunted for their nests, which are used to make bird's nest soup, a delicacy in East Asian cuisine.
Efforts are being made to protect the Seram Swiftlet and its habitat, with the bird being listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation measures include creating protected areas, regulating logging and other human activities in the forests, and promoting sustainable harvesting of the bird's nests to ensure a steady supply without harming the population.