Bird Description

S. species, expanding range n. Nests under culverts, bridges, and man-made structures, often with CLSW and BARS. Regularly wanders n., from Nov 1st onward. In fact, the common red-rumped swallow in the NE, with numbers often in the dozens and occasionally hundreds. Roosts on buildings, hotels, or anywhere they can keep warm. ID: Very similar to CLSW, size and structure almost identical but subtly slimmer and lighter. Upperparts average less contrast and paler brown. In fall, rump becomes washed out and is significantly paler than the rest of the upperparts (unlike CLSW). On closer views, dark cap with brown forehead bordered by pale buff collar and throat. Although throat is much paler than CLSW, at distance it can look deceptively dark and is easy to misidentify. Caribbean ssp fulva has bred in FL, but most wintering birds are of the Mexican race. Fulva averages slightly smaller and darker but very difficult to separate from Mexican race.