White-banded Swallow

Atticora fasciata

Swallows · Passeriformes · Uncommon

The White-banded Swallow (Atticora fasciata) is a uncommon swallow found in 9 countries, weighing about 13 g. The white-banded swallow is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae.

Least ConcernUncommonEats invertebratesriverinecavity nest13 g

About the White-banded Swallow

The white-banded swallow is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae. It is black with white thighs, a white breast, and has white bars on the edges of its wings. It has a distinct, deeply forked tail.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The white-banded swallow is a medium-sized swallow, measuring, on average, 15 cm (5.9 in) and weighing 12–16 g (0.42–0.56 oz). They usually have a wingspan of 92–108 mm (3.6–4.3 in). They decline in size from north to south, but this is a gradual decline, which suggests that there is no geographical variation. It is black, except for the band on its breast, its thighs, and bars on the edge of its wings, which are all white. It also has blackish-brown underwing coverts. Their feathers have a blue-black luster. This swallow has a deeply forked tail.

What the White-banded Swallow sounds like

Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

When to see it

The White-banded Swallow can be seen all year round, with peak activity in July. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a White-banded Swallow?
The white-banded swallow is a medium-sized swallow, measuring, on average, 15 cm (5.9 in) and weighing 12–16 g (0.42–0.56 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a White-banded Swallow?
The White-banded Swallow is a tiny sized bird weighing about 13 g.
Where can you see a White-banded Swallow?
The White-banded Swallow occurs in 9 countries, including Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia and Guyana.
What does a White-banded Swallow sound like?
You can listen to 3 field recordings of the White-banded Swallow on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
What birds look similar to a White-banded Swallow?
The White-banded Swallow is most easily confused with the Asian House Martin, the Black Saw-wing and the Streak-throated Swallow.
Is the White-banded Swallow endangered?
The White-banded Swallow is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the White-banded Swallow for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

Play BeakBrain

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