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Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: HIRUNDINIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Cliff Swallow Photo

The gregarious Cliff Swallow nests in large colonies on buildings, cliffs, and under bridges. The gourd-shaped mud nests can number up to several hundred or thousand in a single location.

Read Cornell Lab of Ornithology's blog, Round Robin

Appearance

Swallows
Swallows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small, long-winged stocky songbird.
  • Small bill.
  • Wings long and pointed.
  • Throat dark.
  • Tail square.
  • Rump pale.

Immature Description

Juvenile looks similar to adult, but has brown, not blue-black, on the crown and back, and variable dark or pale throat and forehead.

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Cliff Swallow Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Distinguished from all other swallow species, except Cave Swallow, by its pale orange rump and square tail.
  • Cave Swallow is similar, but usually has chestnut forehead and light throat.