Salimbabatang 'hang-outs' in Aklan town

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Barn swallows or locally known as ‘salimbabatang’ seen perched on electric wires and posts in the town of Banga have become a phenomenon. 

                                                                             PHOTO DENR AKLAN

Swallows are long-distance migratory birds, often travelling for thousands of miles to spend summer to South East Asian countries. Barn swallows can be identified by their long outer tail feathers and a black band across its chest. 

The ‘salimbabatang’ became instant ‘tourist attraction’ and ‘nuisance’ for curious onlookers and residents near the Crossing Banga Rotanda in Barangay Poblacion. The birds settled down for the night honeymooning and building up their strength before they embark to explore a number of potential nesting spots for seasonal migrations. 

Birds are social animals and like to interact with each other as they roost on electric and telephone wires. The wires offer good vantage point for the birds to see the surroundings and be on the lookout for predators and food sources.

“Don’t kill or harm the birds for it is prohibited under Republic Act (RA) No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” said Ma. Corazon Teodosio, Senior Eco-system Management Specialist of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Aklan.  

The swarming of barn swallows in Banga is an indicator of a healthy biodiversity and could serve as a bird watching site for local tourists and bird enthusiasts, a statement released by DENR-Aklan Public Affairs on March 29. 

Bird droppings (guano) of salimbabatang, however, also put human at risks of contracting airborne diseases. 

Teodosio said, “in positive way, the barn swallows also helped the farmers by primarily targeting agricultural and community insect pests.”

Barn swallows consumed ants, moths, grasshoppers, cricketss and wasps and may help prevent losses in yield from vegetable, orchard along with livestock.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.