American Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
The American Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) is a common swallow found in 51 countries, weighing about 22 g. The cliff swallow or American cliff swallow is a member of the passerine bird family Hirundinidae, the swallows and martins.
About the American Cliff Swallow
The cliff swallow or American cliff swallow is a member of the passerine bird family Hirundinidae, the swallows and martins. The generic name Petrochelidon is derived from the Ancient Greek petros meaning "stone" and khelidon (χελιδών) "swallow", and the specific name pyrrhonota comes from purrhos meaning "flame-coloured" and -notos "-backed".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The cliff swallow's average body length is 13 cm (5.1 in), and they have short legs and small bills with relatively long pointed wings. Adult cliff swallows have an overall dark brownish plumage covering both their back and wings, and they have a characteristic white forehead, rich red-coloured cheeks with a dark throat, basic white underparts and a buffy-coloured rump. In good lighting conditions, their crowns and mantle feathers are iridescent. Voice: The social structure of these cliff swallow colonies has evolved a complex vocalisation system. Five vocalisations have been identified, which are used by both juveniles and adults for different reasons. These vocalisations are structurally similar across the age groups and can be described as begging, alarm, recognition, and squeak calls, all with some variations.
What the American Cliff Swallow sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Spain, French Guiana, St. Barthélemy.
When to see it
Best months: April, May, June, July, August, with peak activity in May. It is a summer visitor species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an American Cliff Swallow?
- The cliff swallow's average body length is 13 cm (5.1 in), and they have short legs and small bills with relatively long pointed wings. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an American Cliff Swallow?
- The American Cliff Swallow is a small sized bird weighing about 22 g.
- Where can you see an American Cliff Swallow?
- The American Cliff Swallow occurs in 51 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.
- What does an American Cliff Swallow sound like?
- You can listen to 2 field recordings of the American Cliff Swallow on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to an American Cliff Swallow?
- The American Cliff Swallow is most easily confused with the Tree Martin, the Cave Swallow and the Fairy Martin.
- Is the American Cliff Swallow endangered?
- The American Cliff Swallow is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the American Cliff Swallow for real
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