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Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

Cliff Swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota)


Class: Aves
Family: Hirundinidae
Common Name: Cliff Swallow
Genus: Petrochelidon
Species Name: pyrrhonota

About The Cliff Swallow

A medium-sized (5-6 inches) swallow, the Cliff Swallow is most easily identified by its dark wings, pale breast, and buff-brown rump. Other field marks include a squared-off tail, pale forehead, and black throat patch. Male and female Cliff Swallows are similar to one another in all seasons. The Cliff Swallow breeds across Alaska, Canada, and much of the United States outside of the desert southwest and southeast. In winter, this species migrates south to southern South America. Small numbers are sometimes seen in late fall in southern California and the Gulf Coast, but this species does not normally spend the winter in these areas. As this species’ name suggests, Cliff Swallows typically breed in areas where cliff faces provided a suitable location for nesting sites. More recently, this species has adapted to building nests on man-made structures, such as overpasses and tall buildings, a fact which has allowed Cliff Swallows to expand their range east and south into areas where cliff faces are less common. During the winter, this species is found in open grasslands, fields, and marshes. Cliff Swallows exclusively eat flying insects. As is the case with most swallow species, it is possible to observe Cliff Swallows feeding on insects while in flight. Birdwatchers in this species’ breeding range may want to pay special attention to bridges or the eaves of buildings, as a careful search of these structures may reveal a nesting colony. Cliff Swallows are primarily active during the day.



Rights Holder: Unknown
Bibliographic Citation: Rumelt, Reid B. Petrochelidon pyrrhonota. June-July 2012. Brief natural history summary of Petrochelidon pyrrhonota. Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.

Trips Where Observed

Alaska
Chicago
Mexico
Mexico to Panama
Moving the Car
Panama
San Francisco 2007
Texas

Member Lifelists

California
Illinois
Mexico
New Jersey
North America
San Francisco
United States
World

Sites Where Observed

Location
Date
Notes
8/8/2006
A few seen on the river, and many nests in the cliffs.
4/14/2013

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