Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

Cliff Swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota)

About Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

Kingdom: Animals
Phylum: Chordates
Class: Birds
Order: Perching Birds
Family: Swallows

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.

Threat Status: Least concern

Unknown

Lifelists

Trips

Visits

2001-12-28

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
2006-04-16

Kern National Wildlife Refuge, United States of America
2006-08-08

Canyonlands National Park, United States of America

A few seen on the river, and many nests in the cliffs.
2007-04-10

Ejido Lagoon, United States of America
2007-04-24

Lake Merced , United States of America
2009-03-09

Cana Station, Panama
2009-06-01

Redwood Valley, United States of America
2010-02-21

Taxco, Mexico
2012-07-09

Sax-Zim Bog, United States of America
2012-07-10

Arrowwood NWR, United States of America
2012-07-11

Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit, United States of America
2012-07-12

Yellowstone National Park, United States of America
2013-04-14

Austin, United States of America
2013-04-17

Matagorda County Birding Nature Center, United States of America
2013-08-31

Mountain Lake, United States of America
2014-04-05

Cosumnes River Preserve, United States of America
2014-07-12

Windy Hill OSP, United States of America
2014-07-18

Nome-Kougarok Road, United States of America
2014-07-19

Nome-Teller Hwy, United States of America
2014-08-23

MacKerricher SP, United States of America
2015-07-18

Ano Nuevo State Park, United States of America
2015-10-29

Parque Nacional Soberania, Panama
2018-04-20

Big Bend National Park, United States of America
2019-06-08

Crissy Field, United States of America
2020-05-31

Capay Valley, United States of America
2020-07-11

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, United States of America
2020-07-21

Rogue River, United States of America
2021-05-22

Illinois Beach State Park, United States of America
2021-05-24

Montrose Point, United States of America
2023-05-18

Cape May Point State Park, United States of America
2024-04-08

Nazas River, Mexico
2024-04-09

Nazas River, Mexico
2025-05-05

Presidio - Battery Godfrey, United States of America
2025-05-31

Jasper National Park - Icefields Parkway, Canada