Cliff Swallow Similar Species Comparison

Adult

Compact swallow with pointed, broad pointed wings, a small head, and a squared tail. In good light, adults have metallic, dark-blue backs and pale, cinnamon rumps. Their face is rusty with a white forehead.

Adult

Adult

Builds nests made of mud, which they cement to the walls of cliff ledges, under bridges, eaves, and culverts.

Adult

Compact swallow with a small head and squared tail. In flight note, pale rump patch and collar.

Adult

Juvenile

Juveniles look like messy adults with rusty or brown faces and a dingy breast.

Adult

Adults are dark blue above, but appear black in poor light. Key identification features include the pale rump and forehead and rusty cheeks.

Juvenile

Adult (melanogaster)

Flock

Groups gather mud in their bills along streambanks, lakesides, or puddles to build their nests.

Habitat

Builds mud nests in colonies on cliff ledges or under bridges, eaves, and culverts.