Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
GrasslandDomed nestSmall · 22 g
What the American Cliff Swallow sounds like
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the American Cliff Swallow
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 5 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.
Where to see the American Cliff Swallow
The map shades 44 countries with regular records, and 7 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Portugal, France, Ireland, Spain, French Guiana, St. Barthélemy.
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.
Easily confused with
Tree MartinPetrochelidon nigricansThe tree martin averages 13 cm (5.1 in) in length and has a shallowly forked tail.
Cave SwallowPetrochelidon fulvaThe cave swallow measures 12 to 14 cm in length and weighs 19 g on average.
Fairy MartinPetrochelidon arielThe fairy martin is dumpy and square tailed.
Side by side: American Cliff Swallow vs Tree Martin · American Cliff Swallow vs Cave Swallow · American Cliff Swallow vs Fairy Martin
Learn the American Cliff Swallow in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.