Archive for November 27th, 2005
Hirundinidae , From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Swallows and Martins
Welcome Swallow
Welcome Swallow
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
Vigors, 1825
Genera
Many, see text.
The bird family Hirundinidae is a group of passerines characterised by their adaptation to aerial feeding, and known as swallows and martins. The family comprises two subfamilies: Pseudochelidoninae (the river martins of the genus Pseudochelidon) and Hirundininae (all other swallows and martins). Within the Hirundiniae, the name martin tends to be used for the squarer-tailed species, and the name swallow for the more fork-tailed species; however, there is no scientific distinction between these two groups.
Their adaptations to hunting insects on the wing are a slender streamlined body, and long pointed wings. Like the unrelated swifts and nightjars, which hunt in a similar way, they have short bills, but a wide gape.
The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. Many species have long tails.
Subfamily Pseudochelidoninae (river martins)
* Pseudochelidon
o African River Martin Pseudochelidon eurystomina
o White-eyed River Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae
Subfamily Hirundininae (all other swallows & martins)
* Psalidoprocne
o Square-tailed Rough-winged Swallow Psalidoprocne nitens
o Cameroon Mountain Rough-winged Swallow Psalidoprocne fuliginosa
o White-headed Rough-winged Swallow Psalidoprocne albiceps
o Black Rough-winged Swallow Psalidoprocne pristoptera
o Fanti Rough-winged Swallow Psalidoprocne obscura
* Pseudhirundo
o Grey-rumped Swallow Pseudhirundo griseopyga
* Cheramoeca
o White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus
* Phedina
o Mascarene Martin Phedina borbonica
o Congo Martin Phedina brazzae
* Riparia
o Brown-throated Sand Martin Riparia paludicola
o Congo Sand Martin Riparia congica
o Sand Martin Riparia riparia
o Pale Martin Riparia diluta
o Banded Martin Riparia cincta
* Tachycineta
o Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
o Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
o Golden Swallow Tachycineta euchrysea
o Bahama Swallow Tachycineta cyaneoviridis
o Tumbes Swallow Tachycineta stolzmanni
o Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea
o White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer
o White-rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa
o Chilean Swallow Tachycineta meyeni
* Progne
o Purple Martin Progne subis
o Cuban Martin Progne cryptoleuca
o Caribbean Martin Progne dominicensis
o Sinaloa Martin Progne sinaloae
o Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
o Galapagos Martin Progne modesta
o Peruvian Martin Progne murphyi
o Southern Martin Progne elegans
o Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera
* Notiochelidon
o Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina
o Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
o Pale-footed Swallow Notiochelidon flavipes
o Black-capped Swallow Notiochelidon pileata
* Haplochelidon
o Andean Swallow Neochelidon andecola
* Atticora
o White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata
o Black-collared Swallow Atticora melanoleuca
* Neochelidon
o White-thighed Swallow Neochelidon tibialis
* Stelgidopteryx
o Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
o Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
* Alopochelidon
o Tawny-headed Swallow Alopochelidon fucata
* Hirundo
o Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
o Red-chested Swallow Hirundo lucida
o Angolan Swallow Hirundo angolensis
o Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
o Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena
o White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis
o Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica
o Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
o White-throated Blue Swallow Hirundo nigrita
o Pied-winged Swallow Hirundo leucosoma
o White-tailed Swallow Hirundo megaensis
o Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata
o Montane Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea
o Black-and-rufous Swallow Hirundo nigrorufa
* Ptyonoprogne
o Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
o Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula
o Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor
* Delichon
o House Martin Delichon urbicum
o Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus
o Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalense
* Cecropis
o Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata
o Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica
o Rufous-chested Swallow Cecropis semirufa
o Mosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis
o Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
o Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata
o Rufous-bellied Swallow Cecropis badia
* Petrochelidon
o Red-throated Swallow Petrochelidon rufigula
o Preuss’s Swallow Petrochelidon preussi
o Red Sea Swallow Petrochelidon perdita
o South African Swallow Petrochelidon spilodera
o Forest Swallow Petrochelidon fuliginosa
o Streak-throated Swallow Petrochelidon fluvicola
o Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel
o Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans
o Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
o Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva
o Chestnut-collared Swallow Petrochelidon rufocollaris
November 27th, 2005
Any of the 74 species of the bird family Hirundinidae (order Passeriformes). A few, including the bank swallow, are called martins (see martin; see also woodswallow; for sea swallow, see tern). Swallows are small, with pointed narrow wings, short bills, and small weak feet; some species have forked tails. Plumage may be plain or marked with metallic blue or green; the sexes look alike in most species.
Swallows spend much time in the air, capturing insects; they are among the most agile of passerine birds. For nesting, swallows may use a hole or cranny in a tree, burrow into a sandbank, or plaster mud onto a wall or ledge to house three to seven white, sometimes speckled, eggs.
Photograph:Common swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Common swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Stephen Dalton—Natural History Photographic Agency/EB Inc.
Swallows occur worldwide except in the coldest regions and remotest islands. Temperate-zone species include long-distance migrants. The common swallow (Hirundo rustica; see photograph) is almost worldwide in migration; an American species, called barn swallow, may summer in Canada and winter in Argentina. The 10 species of Petrochelidon, which make flask-shaped mud nests, include the cliff swallow (P. pyrrhonota), the bird of San Juan Capistrano Mission, in California; as with other swallows, it has strong homing instincts.
November 27th, 2005
ImageA natural bird’s nest is the real bird’s nest. Illegal merchants may coat a layer of egg white or jelly on poor quality imitations. This increases the weight. The fake bird’s nest will reflect light and look opaque. In contrast, light will penetrate through a real bird’s nest. Some fraudulent bird’s nests are made of “Malaysia rubber” or “pig skin”. The former smells and tastes acidic and does not contain nest threads while the latter releases oil after soaking in water.
As for the quality, generally speaking, the price is a fair guideline in reflecting the quality of the bird’s nest. The higher the quality and category of a bird’s nests, the greater the nutritional value, swelling capacity and beauty and vice versa.
November 27th, 2005
* Shape and volume : the best bird’s nests is in the shape of a boat or spoon. Bird’s nest can be triangular in shape if they have been built in the corner of two adjacent walls. However for nutritional value the shape does not matter. Bird’s nests that are broader in width rank higher. The real bird’s nest should be in a natural shape.
* Color and Purity : The best bird’s nest should be of natural colour, containing no mud and other impurities like moss. The colour of the white nest is an actual ivory. The yellow nest and the bloodyred nest are coloured straw and red, respectively. The variations and intensity in the colour are due to the difference in the mineral constituents of the food the swallow ate. The bird’s nests, regardless of their colour, swell when soaked in clear water. The colouration in the bird’s nest will fade and the nest threads look transparent after swelling. However, the water used for soaking should still remain transparent and colourless.
* Density and Swelling Capacity : Bird’s nests that have finer and denser nest threads appear almost gapless. They are bigger and thicker in volume and should have a higher swelling capacity. The swelling capacity refers to the water holding ability of a bird’s nest. The higher the swelling capacity, the greater the bird’s nest distends after immersion in water. Bird’s nests of different categories show different magnitudes of swelling capacity, i. e. the ratio between the weight of the bird’s nest before and after swelling can be different. The swelling capacity should be measured by weight instead of by volume.
* Flavor and Dryness : Bird’s nest should be selected by smell. A real bird’s nest retains a little bit of a fishy smell of the swallow’s saliva. When cooked, it releases a light aroma resembling the aroma of an egg white. It is essential to select a dry bird’s nest. A bird’s nest that is sticky and soft is certainly not dry enough. A wet bird’s nest weighs heavier thus the price will be overcharged from the extra weight. A wet bird’s nest would not be convenient for storage as it would attract mould easily and has a low swelling capacity.
* Price and Creditability : Bird’s nests should be purchased in person and selected by “looking”, “smelling” and “touching”. The price of the bird’s nest should be weighed against the flavor, size, thickness of the nest, fineness of the threads, dryness, and a good swelling capacity. It is not possible to buy a good quality bird’s nest at fair price if the goods have not been examined and the quality and category evaluated. The most trustful way to purchase a high quality bird’s nest is to buy from shops having a good reputation and guaranteed quality.
November 27th, 2005
Edible bird’s nest is the nest made purely of swiftlet’s saliva secretion. This nest is usually found in caves near shoreline cliffs or under eaves of house and is hand-collected. Hairs and filth are then removed from the nest before manufacturing.
The Swiftlet bird (scientifically named Collocalia, known as Walet in Indonesia) belongs to the Apodidae family, which is not the same as the common Swallow bird. Swiftlet birds live in flocks along tropical seaside and consume wild insects. From the appearance, Swiftlet differs from the so called “House Swallow” size wise. The average body length of a Swiftlet is 9 centimeters, about half the size of a Swallow.
Swiftlet has a shorter and rectangular-sharped tail while Swallow has a longer and forked tail.
The average life span of a Swiftlet is about 15 to 18 years. Its age influences the quality of its nest. In general, the older the bird is, the more simmer-tolerant the nest is.
November 27th, 2005
Bird’s Nest from a Clinical Experimental Point of View
According to a recent medical research reported by Hong Kong Chinese University, the cell division enzymeand hormone of bird’s nest can promote reproduction and rebirth of human cells. The Glycoprotein content directly stimulates cell growth in human’s immune system. As a result, body metabolism is enhanced and functional effects are greatly improved. Effective results of bird’s nest are observed when they are consumed by children, elders, feedle and sick people.
Bird’s Nest from Traditional and Modern Chinese Medication’s Point of View.
[Chinese Medication Dictionary] Bird’s Nest is used as restorative and remedial food since the Ching dynasty as recorded in (Major Herbs Guidebook) and (Major Herbs Digest). Previous clinical researches have concluded that bird’s nest has a (sweet and calm) character. Bird’s nest contributed medical benefits to lung, stomach and kidney neural system. Several ancient medicine books such as (New Major Herbs), (Southern Mountain Chronicle) and (New Herbs Revised) all recorded plenty of detail of bird’s nest remedial benefits.
Bird’s Nest from a Nutrition Point of View
The main nutrition contents of bird’s nest are carbohydrate (30%) and protein (5%) although its protein content can be compare to that of milk or eggs. Bird’s nest also contains plenty of calcium and phosphorus, as well as some iron and iodine. There are still some other untraced compositions that may have medical benefits; hence we can not judge its value by the main nutrition contents alone.
Bird’s Nest from a Biochemical Point of View
The book (Evaluate Bird’s Nest) written by a biochemist has also proven that protein contained in bird’s nest have some bioactive elements which might have nourishing and replenishing effects on humans body.
The experts conclude that bird’s nest has three main functions:
* Enhances the rebirth of cells and tissues.
* Improves the immune system functions of our body
* Improves the body’s tolerance toward the damage done by X-rays or other radioactive reagents.
Bird’s nest is an excellent restorative food with a sweet and calm character; it is good for any age or gender
Ladies: Frequent consumption result in fairer skin, helps to stay young and look radiant.
Pregnant Women: Consumption during pregnancy will improve immune functions of the fetus and the mothers will be able to recover easily after giving birth.
Elders: Clears phlegm, strengthen lungs and kidneys, improves spleen as well as enhances appetite.
Children: Enhances immune ability, not inclined to get colds or flu
Men: Improves kidney and strengthens lungs, so not inclined to get weak.
November 27th, 2005
For thousands of years, bird’s nest has been recognized as a royal food with the ability to nourish the yin, strengthen kidneys, alleviate the yang, advance spleen, moisten lungs, beautify as well as prolong consumer’s lifespan.
Up until now, scientific research has continuously proven the fact that bird’s nest contains plenty of natural nutrients and mineral such as glycoprotein, calcium, iron, phosphorous, iodine and vitamins, all of which can be absorbed easily by human. Bird’s nest is indeed a very valuable natural restorative food
November 27th, 2005
To choose a genuine good quality bird’s nest with a reasonable price
Bird’s Nest is the nest where swiftlet birds secretly incubate their offspring. The remedial effects of bird’s nest were frequently recorded in ancient books. However, its limited supply and its premium prices have rendered it a privilege among certain social and economical status.
Recently, under close examination by clinical experiments and scientific research, the nutrition values of bird’s nest have further been proven, and thus more and more people now crave for this superb, skin-uplifting and restorative food.
The entire process of collecting, picking and choosing all influence the quality of a bird’s nest. However, due to its high value, improper practices such as bleaching, coloring and ingredient stuffing, have often been employed, of which have bothered consumers to an unbearable extent. To purchase high quality bird’s nest, it is advisable to choose a trustworthy merchant, letting the expert explain to you and help you pick what you need.
Otherwise, in return of a huge investment you might only get some counterfeit merchandise which may even be harmful to your body.
November 27th, 2005
* Some suppliers use H2O2 to remove the odor caused by the products with inferior quality. The H2O2 is highly poisonous and may cause cancer. It has been banned by WHO from any food product
* SO2 and SO3 are being used by some suppliers to bleach out the dirty, blackish and yellowish colors from products with inferior quality. As known, SO2 and SO3 are also poisonous and may cause cancer if taken excessively. Only very few food items are allowed to contain SO2 or SO3 (less than 2 ppm) by WHO. In Japan, no food item is allowed to contain SO2 or SO3 with more than 1 ppm (1/1,000,000) in volume.
QUALITY BIRD”S NEST IS QUARANTEED FREE OF CHEMICAL ADDITIVES
For your health concern, They provide you a scientific test method to identify products contaminated with illegal chemicals that are extremely harmful to your health.
November 27th, 2005
Most bird’s nests are produced in Southeast Asia countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam; all of which produce high quality bird’s nests. Among this, 80% of the production are from Indonesia with highly adeord quality and exported worldwide.
Identify Bird’s Nest by Its Origin:
Cave Swiftlet, House Swiftlet, Grass Swiftlet and Hair Swiftlet
* Cave Swiftlet: darker or yellowier, more hair and impurities, firmer and crispy feeling when eaten
* House Swiftlet: generally whiter, softer, texture, less hair, smoother and tender feeling when eaten.
* Grass Swiftlet and Hair Swiftlet: impurities are more then the nest itself, often used mixing with other things or grinded for other purpose.
Identify Bird’s Nest by Its Color:
White Nest (also called “Noble Bird’s Nest”), Yellow Nest, Orange Nest and Blood Nest
Identify Bird’s Nest by Its Shape:
Cup shapes, lumpy, stripped, shredded, minced, ball shapes bird’s nest.
Leftovers from trimming whole nest cups can be made in to nest strips, nest cake or shredded nest mixture. They are all bird’s nest, but due to the fact that they are made of nest rims, the appearances of these types of nests are not so nice and harder in texture.
November 27th, 2005
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