Chestnut-collared Swallow (Petrochelidon rufocollaris)

Identification & Behavior: ~12.5 cm (5 in). The Chestnut-collared Swallow has glossy black upperparts and cap with white streaks on the mantle and rufous rump. The forehead is rufous. The throat and sides of the head are white bordered by rufous. It has a rufous band across the breast and rufous sides of the underparts. The tail is slightly notched. It forages over scrub, deciduous forest, and agricultural fields.  It is similar to the Cliff Swallow but is distinguished by having a white throat and sides of the head, and rufous pectoral band and sides of the underparts. Also, see Barn Swallow.

Status: The Chestnut-collared Swallow can be common or rare throughout its range on the western lowlands where it is known to range up to 1000 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Ec.

Name in Spanish: Golondrina de Collar Castaño.

Sub-species: Chestnut-collared Swallow (Petrochelidon rufocollaris rufocollaris), (Peale), 1848.

Meaning of Name: Petrochelidon: Gr. petra= rock and khelidon= swallow; petrokhelidonos= type of swallow that frequented cliffs. rufocollaris: L. rufus= red and collare, collum= neck.

See more of the Family Hirundinidae