Bird Guide

Violet-green Swallow vs White-winged Swallow

Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

Tiny14 gForest

The distinct body form of swallows distinguishes them from other passerine birds. Their long pointed wings and slim, streamlined body evolved to catch insects while in flight; the violet-green swallow is no exception. With an average body length of 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in), the violet-green swallow is slightly shorter and appears more compact in flight compared to some other members of the genus Tachycineta. The violet-green swallow most closely resembles the tree swallow T. Voice: There are many knowledge gaps surrounding the vocalization behaviour of violet-green swallows. These gaps include vocalizations made during early development, alarm calls and the daily pattern of calls. The little information available suggests two main classes of vocalizations, the chee-chee calls and twitter calls.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Violet-green Swallow
Recorded by Peter Wilton · Call · San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Brooke J. · CC BY 4.0
White-winged Swallow (Tachycineta albiventer)

White-winged Swallow

Tachycineta albiventer

Small18 gRiverine

The adult white-winged swallow is 14 cm (5.5 in) long and weighs 14–17 g (0.49–0.60 oz). It has iridescent blue-green upperparts, white underparts and rump, and white edgings to the secondary flight feathers. The wings are otherwise black, along with the tail. It has dark brown eyes and a black bill and legs. The sexes are similar, although it is noted that the females have slightly less white on the wing. Juveniles have grayer underparts and are duller in general when compared to the adults. The juvenile also has less white on the wing.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the White-winged Swallow
Recorded by Niels Krabbe · Call, calls · Sucumbíos: 'La Selva Jungle Lodge', n bank Río Napo, Ecuador · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: http://www.birdphotos.com · CC BY 3.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Violet-green Swallow and White-winged Swallow.