Tachycineta albilinea
The Mangrove Swallow, *Tachycineta albilinea*, is a small, agile passerine renowned for its iridescent plumage and strong association with coastal wetland environments. Measuring approximately 11.5-13 cm (4.5-5.1 inches) in length with a wingspan of 28.5-30 cm (11.2-11.8 inches) and weighing 11-15 grams, this species exhibits a striking metallic blue-green back and snow-white underparts. A key field mark for identification is the distinctive narrow white stripe extending from above the lore t...
Primarily found in coastal lowland ecosystems, especially mangrove forests, estuaries, and brackish lagoons. It favors areas with open water and scattered trees or structures for perching and nesting, rarely venturing far from sea level.
Exclusively insectivorous, primarily consuming small flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and bees. They capture prey by aerial hawking, performing acrobatic maneuvers over water.
Mangrove Swallows are highly active diurnal birds, often seen in pairs or small groups over open water, especially at dawn and dusk. Their foraging strategy involves agile aerial hawking, darting and weaving to catch insects in flight, often just above the water's surface. While breeding, they ar...
The Mangrove Swallow is a resident species distributed along the coastal lowlands of the Neotropics, from Mexico south through Central America and into northern South America. Its breeding and year-round range extends from both the Pacific and Gulf/Caribbean coasts of Mexico, south through Belize...
Least Concern
- The specific epithet 'albilinea' is Latin for 'white-lined,' referring to the distinctive white stripe above its eye. - It is one of the few swallow species in the Americas that is an obligate inhabitant of mangrove ecosystems. - Mangrove Swallows often utilize man-made structures like bridges ...