The cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva is a medium-sized, squarish-tailed swallow found in North America. It is a member of the same genus as the more recognized and widespread cliff swallow. Also endemic to the Americas, the cave swallow nests and roosts largely in caves and sinkholes. According to Birds of North America, five subspecies are […]
Petrochelidon Pyrrhonota – Cliff Swallow
The cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota is a member of the Hirundinidae family of swallows and martins. A pyrrhonota is a purrhonota, which means “flame-colored” and -notos means “backed”. Cliff swallows make mud gourd nests with narrow entry holes. Their nests are densely packed under bridges or along mountain ledges. Quick Overview: Petrochelidon Pyrrhonota – Cliff […]
Hirundo Rustica – Barn Swallow
The barn swallow, Hirundo rustica is the world’s most common swallow species. Indeed, it looks to have the world’s greatest natural range of any passerine bird, covering about 251 million square kilometers. A sailor would get one swallow tattooed before embarking on a trip, and the second swallow inked upon their return to their homeport […]
Progne Subis – Purple Martin
The purple martin, Progne subis in Latin is a Hirundinidae passerine bird. It’s North America’s biggest swallow. The purple martin is not genuinely purple. They are recognized for their speed, agility, and unique flying style of fast flapping and gliding. They will drop from the skies at high speed, wings tucked, to their nesting place. […]
Stelgidopteryx Serripennis – Northern rough-winged Swallow
Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis is a migratory swallow with a tiny size. It is quite similar to the Southern Rough-winged swallow. The Rough-wing is a single bird, unlike the Bank Swallow, which nests in colonies. It is often observed alone or in small groups, even during migration, flying rapidly low over rivers or fields. […]
Tachycineta Thalassina – Violet-Green Swallow
It is a member of the swallow family. These airborne insectivores are found from Alaska to Mexico, and east to Montana and Texas. These birds are distinguished from tree swallows by the white rump side-patches that appear to split their green back and purple tail. Violet-green swallows are cavity nesters found in deciduous and coniferous […]
Tachycineta Bicolor – Tree Swallow
The tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor is a Hirundinid migrant. The tree swallow, Hirundo bicolor, was named by French naturalist Louis Vieillot in 1807. It was then transferred to Tachycineta, where its evolutionary position is contested. Quick Overview: Tachycineta Bicolor – Tree SwallowBody size: Around 5.75 in (15 cm) and a weight of 20 g (0.7 […]
Riparia Riparia – Bank Swallow
The sand martin (Riparia riparia) is a migratory passerine bird in the swallow family. In the summer, it covers almost all of Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Palearctic to the Pacific. North American Holarctic species. South America and the Indian Subcontinent winter it. Quick Overview: Riparia Riparia – Bank SwallowBody size: Around 4.75 in (12 […]