Cliff swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Identification Tips:
- Tiny bill
- Pale orange rump and forehead (dark in some southwestern birds)
- Blackish cap, throat and upperparts
- Side of neck brown
- Tip of tail squared
- Juveniles similar to adults but duller
- Most often seen flying
- Will nest communally in mud nests under bridges, in barns and caves, etc
Similar species:
The Cliff Swallow can be told from all swallows except the Cave Swallow by
its pale rump. Cave Swallow has a darker forehead and a paler throat than the
Cliff Swallow. When viewed from below, the Cliff Swallow can be told from
other swallows by its squared tail and dark throat.