Bird
Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonotaThe Cliff Swallow is a compact swallow with a pale forehead, dark throat, square tail, and contrasting buff rump. Colonies build enclosed gourd-shaped mud nests beneath cliffs, bridges, and building ledges.
Aerial InsectivoreMud NestColonial Bird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFlies, Beetles, Winged ants
Predators
- Falcons
- Owls
- Snakes
ThreatsNest removal, pesticide-driven insect declines, severe weather, and colony disturbance
HabitatsCliffs, canyons, bridges, river valleys, grasslands, reservoirs, and open towns
Life spanUsually several years; some banded birds have lived more than a decade
Classification
- FamilyHirundinidae
- SpeciesPetrochelidon pyrrhonota
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Avoid standing beneath active colonies or touching occupied mud nests.
Responsible observation
- Look: Find clustered mud nests with narrow round entrances.
- Identify: Note the pale forehead, buff rump, and squared tail.
- Distance: Watch colony activity without blocking flight paths.
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