Cave Pacific Swallow hatchling

Description:

Spotted during National Caving Congress (Cave Photography workshop).

Habitat:

Resident Pacific Swallows nest on vertical surfaces with overhangs to protect their mud nest (which would disintegrate in the rain). These may be cliffs with an overhang but are often bridges, dams and other man-made structures. But they shy away from humans and prefer unoccupied buildings. They build solid nests out of mud pellets brought by the beakful from puddles and river banks. Combined with dry grasses, these pellets are arranged much like bricks to form shallow cups. These may be lined with dry grass and feathers. -http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/birds/Hirundo_tahitica.htm

Notes:

ID to Hirundo tahitica by Desmond Allen (Phil. Biodiversity Net). Photo by Rawen Balmaña.