Cliff Swallow
NameCliff Swallow
Common NameCliff Swallow
Scientific NamePetrochelidon pyrrhonota
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)23.5
Plumage DetailsAdults have an iridescent dark blue-black back and crown, rusty-orange throat and cheeks, a pale buffy-white belly, and a prominent buffy-orange rump patch. A distinctive pale yellowish-white patch is visible on the forehead, and the tail is square-ended.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of chattering, squeaking, and buzzing calls, often described as a 'churr' or 'krr-krr'. They are particularly noisy in their nesting colonies.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland, urban, coastal, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the United States and into Mexico. Winters in South America, primarily in the southern Amazon basin.
Identifying Featuresbuffy-orange rump, square tail, dark iridescent blue-black back, rusty throat, pale yellowish forehead patch, gourd-shaped mud nests
Description
The Cliff Swallow is a highly social bird known for its distinctive gourd-shaped mud nests built in colonies. These agile flyers are often seen foraging for insects in open areas, performing acrobatic maneuvers in the air.
