cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 5 inches

• 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

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.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Neotropical migrant
Breeding Habitat: N/A
Nest Location: Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type: N/A
Clutch Size: 4-5
Length of Incubation: 14-16 days
Days to Fledge: 21-24
Number of Broods:usually 1, occasionally 2-3
Diet: Exclusively insects

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May
      Su - Summer: June, July, August R
      Fall: September, October, November

      Winter: December, January, February

 

 

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