A significant northward range extension of the White-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) in Kachin State, Myanmar

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Issue

thnhmjournal vol20 no2

Authors

Myint Naung

Department of Zoology, Mohnyin University, 01111, Kachin State, Myanmar

Htay Htay Oo

Department of Zoology, Mohnyin University, 01111, Kachin State, Myanmar

Ni Mar

Department of Zoology, Mohnyin University, 01111, Kachin State, Myanmar

Khin Khin Gyi1

Department of Zoology, Mohnyin University, 01111, Kachin State, Myanmar

Khin Pyae Pyae Thaw Thar

Department of Zoology, Myitkyina University, 01012, Kachin State, Myanmar

Abstract

The White-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus Thunberg, 1812) is primarily documented as a coastal and island-dwelling species in Myanmar, with its known distribution largely restricted to the southern regions. Here, wereportasignificantnorthward and inland rangeextension of A. fuciphagus into Kachin State, Northern Myanmar. The records arebasedonsystematicobservations conductedfrom October 2023 to December 2025 at Mohnyin University and Polytechnic University, Myitkyina. Species identification was established through diagnostic morphological characters and nesting ecology, specifically the presence of edible nests composed entirely of hardened white saliva, a distinct pale rump band, and unfeathered tarsi. Our findings confirm the successful colonization of inland anthropogenic habitats by this species, extending its known range far beyond the previously recognized coastal limits in Myanmar. This record provides a crucial update to the species’ distributional biogeography and emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring of swiftlet populations in inland Southeast Asia.

Attachment

THNHMJ 20(2)-06_0.pdf

Keywords

Aerodramus fuciphagus

References

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