The KLECHO (_Dendrochelidon klecho_), so called from the sound of its
cry, is about seven inches long; the wing measures six, and the tail
three inches. Upon the upper part of the body the plumage is of a
brilliant metallic steel-green; the wing-covers have a blueish lustre;
the quills are blackish on the inner and blue on the outer web, and
the shoulder-feathers white. The belly is white, the rest of the under
surface and rump of a beautiful deep grey. The male has a reddish brown
and the female a black spot near the eye.
The Tree Swifts differ almost entirely in their mode of life from
any other members of their family. Extensive woods and dense forests
are their favourite resorts, such being preferred as are in lowland
districts; according to Jerdon, the Indian Klecho constantly builds in
these localities, flying from thence over the streams or lakes in the
vicinity in search of insects on which it subsists. Whilst resting from
its labours it usually selects a withered tree for its perch, and amuses
itself by expanding and playing with the beautiful crest upon its head.
Its flight is excellent, but it climbs awkwardly among the branches. When
upon the wing it utters almost incessantly a loud parrot-like scream;
when perched its voice is not quite so harsh. We learn from Bernstein
that, unlike all other Swifts, the Klecho usually builds at the summit of
a tree, upon a branch of about an inch in thickness. Its strange nest,
the walls of which are scarcely thicker than parchment, is constructed
of bits of bark, feathers, and other similar materials, woven together,
and cemented with saliva. The great peculiarity of the nest consists in
the fact that it is only just big enough to contain the one large egg
laid by the female, and that the walls are far too delicate to bear the
weight of the brooding mother; the bird is, therefore, compelled to perch
and support herself upon the branch, and merely allow her breast to cover
and warm her offspring. The female lays twice in the season; the egg is
perfectly oval and of a blueish tint.
* * * * *
The SALANGANES (_Collocalia_) are a group of Swifts whose edible nests
have been famous from time immemorial, but as to whose life and habits
little information has been acquired. These birds are distinguished by
their small size, long wings, in which the second quill exceeds the rest
in length, their forked or slightly incised tail, small but powerful
beak, and delicate feet, the exterior toe of which is directed backwards.
In all the members of this group the salivary glands are much developed.