Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

CLSW

Order: Passeriformes | Family: Hirundinidae (Swallows)
Cliff Swallow 1

Bird Description

Uncommon but widespread, mostly in rural agricultural areas and near nesting sites, often bridges and old buildings where they build a mud house with small, rounded entrance on top. ID: It’s the summer red-rumped swallow away from the far S. Orange/red rump becomes paler through summer. Mantle and wings dark steely blue with white lines down back. Crown same color. Dark orange-brown throat wraps around back of neck. Forehead from white to buff. Juv: also has orange-buff rump but upperparts much browner and more muted. Pale forehead often lacking, throat also brown. Juv much less contrasty than adult. Adult-type feathers molted in through fall.

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