cliff swallow - All Bird Species

1. Bird Name: The Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) belongs to the Swallow family of birds (Hirundinidae).

2. Appearance: The Cliff Swallow is a small, colorful bird with a distinct, square tail and long, pointed wings. Its back exhibits a metallic blue-black color, while the rump is creamy white. Its forehead is chestnut-colored, and the throat exhibits a dark, dusky orange hue. The underparts are buffy or pale rusty. The beak is small and adapted for catching insects, and the bird’s eyes are dark brown. Unlike some species, there are no evident differences between males and females in terms of appearance.

3. Size: This species usually measures between 12-15 cm (4.7–5.9 in) in length. The wide wingspan ranges from 26-30 cm (10–12 in), and the bird’s weight ranges between 18-26 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution: As suggested by its name, the Cliff Swallow traditionally builds its nest in cliffs across North America, from Alaska to southern Mexico. However, it has adapted to co-exist with human settlements and can often be spotted nesting under bridges and eaves. It prefers areas near open water, which provides a ready source of insects for nourishment.

5. Interesting Facts: Cliff Swallows have a fascinating trait of communal living. Their nests, made from mud pellets, can often be seen by the hundreds in colonies on cliffs and man-made structures. They even engage in what is known as “cooperative breeding,” where a bird will assist in raising the young from another pair’s nest. Additionally, after a long day’s work of flying, they enjoy a good dip in the water, displaying unique bathing behavior.

6. Diet: These birds primarily feed on flying insects, which they catch in their beak while in flight. It is common to see them feeding on a variety of insects, including flies, bees, beetles, and ants.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Cliff Swallows are social birds that live and breed in colonies. They have a twittering, gurgling song, often heard when they are in flight. Their call is a distinctive ‘chirrup’ or ‘ka-eep.’

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Cliff Swallow is classified as being of ‘Least Concern.’ This is due to their expansive range and the fact that, despite some level of population fluctuation, their numbers seem to be relatively stable.

9. Lifespan: The Cliff Swallow can live up to 11 years in the wild, but on average, they live for just around 4 years.

10. Additional Notes: In Spanish, the Cliff Swallow is known as ‘Golondrina de las Rocas.’ They play a critical role in controlling pest populations, particularly insects that are harmful to agricultural crops. These birds were celebrated in the popular American folk song, “When the Swallows come back to Capistrano,” referring to the return of the swallows to the Mission San Juan Capistrano in California each spring. This event is celebrated annually with a Swallow’s Day Parade and other festivities.