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IUCN status: Least ConcernWhite-nest Swiftlet at a glance
The White-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) is a bird in the family Apodidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra, Java. Diet: eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Aerodramus fuciphagus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Walet sarang-putih |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra, Java |
| Taxonomic group | Apodiformes |
| GBIF records | 6,990 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore) · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) — Leaves caves or swiftlet houses around dawn and returns at dusk. · Dhamorikar et al. 2020, Crepuscular hunting of swiftlets by Besra in the urban areas of the Andaman Islands, India - Journal of Threatened Taxa 12(17) (PDF) |
In this guide (12)
What is the White-nest Swiftlet?
White-nest Swiftlet refers to Aerodramus fuciphagus, in the genus Aerodramus, family Apodidae, and order Apodiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the White-nest Swiftlet?
The edible-nest swiftlet makes a nest largely of hardened saliva; nest harvesting is a human activity separate from the bird's own life cycle.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the White-nest Swiftlet?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 6,990 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra, Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the White-nest Swiftlet?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare White-nest Swiftlet with Uniform Swiftlet, House Swift, Cave Swiftlet. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the White-nest Swiftlet
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | Aerodramus fuciphagus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the White-nest Swiftlet
What is the scientific name of the White-nest Swiftlet?
The scientific name of the White-nest Swiftlet is Aerodramus fuciphagus, in the family Apodidae and the order Apodiformes. In Indonesian it is called Walet sarang-putih.
What kind of animal is the White-nest Swiftlet?
The White-nest Swiftlet is a bird in the family Apodidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore).
Where does the White-nest Swiftlet live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the White-nest Swiftlet summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra, Java. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the White-nest Swiftlet eat?
The White-nest Swiftlet is a eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the White-nest Swiftlet reproduce?
The White-nest Swiftlet reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the White-nest Swiftlet nocturnal?
The cited source records the White-nest Swiftlet as diurnal (active by day). Leaves caves or swiftlet houses around dawn and returns at dusk. Source: Dhamorikar et al. 2020, Crepuscular hunting of swiftlets by Besra in the urban areas of the Andaman Islands, India - Journal of Threatened Taxa 12(17) (PDF).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the White-nest Swiftlet?
Scientific classification of the White-nest Swiftlet: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Apodiformes, family Apodidae, genus Aerodramus, species Aerodramus fuciphagus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the White-nest Swiftlet endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the White-nest Swiftlet is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the White-nest Swiftlet is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- Dhamorikar et al. 2020, Crepuscular hunting of swiftlets by Besra in the urban areas of the Andaman Islands, India - Journal of Threatened Taxa 12(17) (PDF) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. White-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/aerodramus-fuciphagus/