salangane

A salangane builds its nest on a high cliff.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of swiftlet: "salangane" refers to any of various small, swift-flying birds of the genus Collocalia (family Apodidae), native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. These birds are known for building nests from solidified saliva, which are harvested for bird's nest soup.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The salangane constructs its nest on the walls of dark caves. (The bird builds its nest in a specific habitat.)
  • In traditional Chinese cuisine, the nest of the salangane is considered a delicacy. (The bird's nest is used as an ingredient.)

Advanced Usage

• "Salangane nest": the edible nest of the bird, used in soups and tonics.
  • Harvesting salangane nests is a dangerous occupation due to the high cliffs and caves involved. (The collection process is risky.)

Variants and Related Words

• Swiftlet (n): a more general term for small swifts of the family Apodidae, including the salangane.
  • Swiftlets are known for their echolocation abilities. (A related bird group.)

Synonyms

• Swiftlet: a direct synonym for birds in the genus .
• Edible-nest swiftlet: a specific species () that produces the most valuable nests.

Related Idioms

• None common in standard English usage; "salangane" is a technical or regional term.

Phrasal Verbs

• None applicable; "salangane" is a noun with no verb form.