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Description

Cave Swiftlet
Decembirds 2017
Day 5: Nest
Cave Swiftlets make arguably the most interesting nests in the bird kingdom. They layer sticky threads of their own saliva back and forth while they cling to the wall. The saliva hardens into a tiny cup just big enough for the swiftlet’s eggs. The nests are also the main ingredient of a local delicacy called birds’ nest soup. The dissolved nests are flavorless but filled with minerals and are believed to have special properties in traditional Chinese medicine. Obviously such claims have made harvesting the nests a dangerous practice and harvesters have to make sure to not over-harvest to make room for the next generation of swiftlets to grow. Luckily, in the nest is stolen or damaged, the swiftlet simply makes another, although safe and sustainable hunting/harvesting remains key to their survival.

Description

Cave Swiftlet
Decembirds 2017
Day 5: Nest
Cave Swiftlets make arguably the most interesting nests in the bird kingdom. They layer sticky threads of their own saliva back and forth while they cling to the wall. The saliva hardens into a tiny cup just big enough for the swiftlet’s eggs. The nests are also the main ingredient of a local delicacy called birds’ nest soup. The dissolved nests are flavorless but filled with minerals and are believed to have special properties in traditional Chinese medicine. Obviously such claims have made harvesting the nests a dangerous practice and harvesters have to make sure to not over-harvest to make room for the next generation of swiftlets to grow. Luckily, in the nest is stolen or damaged, the swiftlet simply makes another, although safe and sustainable hunting/harvesting remains key to their survival.