Atticora pileata
The Black-capped Swallow (Atticora pileata) is a diminutive yet striking passerine, measuring approximately 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 inches) in length, making it one of the smaller swallows in its range. Its plumage features a distinctive deep black cap that extends from the forehead to the nape, sharply contrasting with immaculate white underparts from the chin to the vent. The upperparts, including the back, wings, and a shallowly forked tail, are a glossy, iridescent blue-black, shimmering in sun...
Found primarily in high-elevation montane forests, cloud forests, and pine-oak woodlands, often near cliffs, ravines, or open areas with flowing water, typically above 1,200 meters (4,000 feet).
Exclusively consumes small flying insects, including flies, beetles, and wasps, which are expertly caught on the wing during continuous aerial foraging.
As a typical swallow, the Black-capped Swallow is strictly diurnal, engaging in continuous aerial foraging throughout the day from dawn until dusk. They employ a graceful, erratic flight pattern, expertly maneuvering through air currents to snatch small insects, often patrolling over open areas, ...
The Black-capped Swallow is exclusively found in the highlands of northern Central America, with its distribution spanning across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In Guatemala, it is present in the eastern and central montane regions, particularly prevalent in the Sierra Madre de ...
Least Concern
- The Black-capped Swallow is one of the few swallow species almost exclusively restricted to high-altitude neotropical cloud and pine-oak forests. - Its scientific name 'pileata' is Latin for 'capped' or 'wearing a cap,' directly referencing its striking black head plumage. - Unlike many swallow...