Mayr's Swiftlet, also known as the Bornean Swiftlet, is a small bird that inhabits the islands of Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippines. This bird belongs to the swift family, and it is well-known for its impressive flying skills. It can fly up to speeds of 200 km/h and have a wingspan of up to 28 cm.
Mayr's Swiftlet is a small bird, measuring around 10-12 cm long. The males of this species are slightly bigger than females, and both of them have a blue-black body with a slightly paler rump and upper tail coverts. The head and neck are brownish-black, and the eyes are dark with a tiny black beak. The feather of Mayr's Swiftlet is smooth and streamlined that helps in their excellent flying skills.
These birds live in the tropical forests, mangroves, and limestone cliffs, and they can be found up to an altitude of 2000 meters. Mayr's Swiftlet is a non-migratory species, which means they stay in the same area throughout the year.
Mayr's Swiftlet feeds mainly on insects such as flies, bees, and ants that they catch in mid-air. They are usually active during the daytime, and they fly in groups to hunt for insects. Mayr's Swiftlet is beneficial to people as they eat harmful insects that can destroy crops.
The breeding season of Mayr's Swiftlet is from March to August, and they can lay one to two eggs in a nest that they build themselves with their saliva mixed with twigs and feathers. The nest is stick to the walls of the limestone cave, and it takes around 30 days for the eggs to hatch. The young ones learn to fly after two months.
Mayr's Swiftlet is facing several threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation, pollution, and agricultural activities. The bird is also hunted for its nest, which is a delicacy. Additionally, the rapid loss of the swiftlet population could affect the ecosystem, which could result in a decline in insect control.
In conclusion, Mayr's Swiftlet may be tiny, but the bird holds significant importance in its ecosystem. Conservation efforts must be made to protect this species from further decline for the interest of wildlife and humans alike.