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Photo by alibenn
Photo taken: Beidaihe, China

Cecropis daurica

Includes: West African Swallow Hirundo daurica

[edit] Identification

Warm buff underparts that vary geographically from plain to quite strongly streaked (especially in northern China). Dark, glossy-blue upperparts, noticeably interrupted by chestnut nape and pale rufous rump. Black vent and undertail coverts.

[edit] Similar Species

Lacks the dark red face and breast band with sharp contrast to pale belly of Barn Swallow. Looks more thickset in flight which also gives impression of being slower.

[edit] Distribution

Photo by john-henry
Extremadura, Spain

Portugal and Spain to Japan, India and tropical Africa.

[edit] Taxonomy

Previously included in genus Hirundo
Around ten subspecies recognized. Domicella from West Africa is sometimes split as West African Swallow.

[edit] Habitat

Plains, grassland, rocky outcrops.

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Breeding

They build nests with a tunnel entrance lined with mud, 3-6 eggs are laid. They normally nest under sea or inland cliff overhangs, in caves, rock clefts or under bridges.

[edit] Diet

The diet includes insects.

[edit] Vocalisation

Song: A twittering warble

[edit] References

1. Wikipedia
2. Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
3. Birdforum Id-forum thread discussing red-rumped swallow.

[edit] External Links