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Glite Dictionary
Collocalia

Collocalia

9.9
A group of small birds like swifts from Southeast Asia and the Pacific, some of which make edible nests
  • noun
  • Australian
translation icon : Collocalia
  • Collocalia is a genus that includes several species of swiftlets found throughout Asia.

Examples

  • The edible nests produced by some Collocalia species are highly prized in certain cuisines.

  • Many Collocalia birds are found in caves across Southeast Asia.

  • Scientists have recently reclassified some birds formerly placed in Collocalia into separate genera.

  • The Collocalia species are known for their unique nesting habits.

  • Many species of Collocalia are famous for their incredible agility in flight.

  • The nests of Collocalia birds are often harvested for use in traditional soups.

  • In Southeast Asia, people often visit caves to observe Collocalia birds nesting.

Synonyms

swiftlet
vsCollocalia
  • Australian
1 9.9

A small fast bird from parts of Asia and Australia that makes nests people eat

is a specific genus within that group, covering some species that make edible nests

Surface Forms

Collocalia singular
Collocalias plural

Etymology

Collocalia is easiest to remember if you break it into Greek parts kolla 'glue' and kalia 'nest', because some of these small swiftlets make sticky, edible nests from their saliva. So the name points to the birds and their sticky, edible nests.