Petrochelidon rufocollaris
The Chestnut-collared Swallow (Petrochelidon rufocollaris) is a striking passerine known for its elegant aerial agility and distinctive plumage. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm in length and weighing 12-19 grams, this bird exhibits glossy blue-black upperparts that contrast sharply with its eponymous rufous (chestnut) collar on the hindneck. A dark cap, white throat and breast, and a prominent white rump patch further aid in its identification, distinguishing it from its close relatives. Bel...
Found in open country, often near cliffs, buildings, or bridges for nesting, typically in close proximity to water sources. Occupies a wide altitudinal range from sea level up to 3000 meters in the Andes.
Primarily consumes a wide variety of flying insects, including flies, beetles, wasps, ants, and moths. Forages exclusively by hawking insects on the wing in agile, sustained flight.
This highly social swallow is diurnal, spending its days in constant, graceful flight. It is an obligate aerial insectivore, foraging strategically by hawking insects on the wing, often in mixed-species flocks. Chestnut-collared Swallows are colonial breeders, constructing elaborate, bottle-shape...
The Chestnut-collared Swallow boasts a wide Neotropical distribution, extending from western and eastern Mexico, southward through Central America including Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Its range continues into South America, encompassing Colombia, Venezuela, Ec...
Least Concern
- The Chestnut-collared Swallow often uses human-made structures like bridges and culverts as readily as natural cliffs for nesting sites. - Their mud nests are architectural marvels, typically gourd-shaped with a narrow entrance tunnel, skillfully plastered together pellet by pellet. - They are ...