Swallow in Botswana, 11/24 (1 Viewer)

[michael-ibk]

I think I must miss something obvious but I am really unsure which Swallow this is. None of the brown-and-white Martins have streamers like this, or that much white in the undertail? Botswana, Okavango Delta, marshland, 19/11/24.

Thanks in advance.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Why not juv Barn (Eurasian) swallow?

 

[THE_FERN]

Why not juv Barn (Eurasian) swallow?

Yes, with the rufous on the face starting to develop

 

[markm]

Great photo as well.

 

[michael-ibk]

Thanks everybody,. OK, so I did miss something very obvious, quite embarrassing not to recognize "my" Swallows. Don't think I've ever seen one that brown and colourless.

 

[johnallcock]

It seems to be a young bird, which are usually slightly duller and browner than the adults.
But I think the main reason it looks unfamiliar is probably to do with moult & wear. This bird has not moulted any of the primaries, and most of the body feathers are also retained. After a few months in the tropical sun, these have faded and are now looking worn and brownish. If you are familiar with adults in the northern summer, they will look much fresher with the usual blue gloss. This bird looks like it has recently started moult, and has lost the inner primaries, making the wing shape look a bit odd as well.

I've often known browner birds like this to cause confusion with Sand Martin, but if you look at the head pattern it does fit Barn Swallow.