Petrochelidon perdita
The Red Sea Cliff Swallow, *Petrochelidon perdita*, is one of ornithology's most profound enigmas, known only from a single specimen discovered in 1984. This medium-sized swallow measures approximately 14 cm in length, distinguished by its deeply forked tail and striking plumage. Its most prominent field marks include a dark rufous-chestnut crown and nape, which contrasts sharply with iridescent steel-blue upperparts and wings. The rump is a distinctive pale rufous, and its underparts are cle...
Presumed to inhabit arid coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, and wadis along the Red Sea, likely at low elevations, utilizing vertical faces for nesting and proximity to water sources for mud collection.
Primarily aerial insects, including flies, beetles, and hymenopterans, captured exclusively in flight above open areas.
Like other swallows, *Petrochelidon perdita* is presumed to be diurnal, actively foraging for aerial insects throughout the day. They likely form communal roosts on sheltered cliff ledges or within their nest structures outside the breeding season. Foraging is almost certainly performed on the wi...
Known solely from the type specimen collected in 1984 on the Suakin Archipelago, Sudan, along the Red Sea coast. Its precise breeding and wintering grounds remain entirely unknown, making it one of the world's most enigmatic avian species. It is hypothesized that its range might encompass remote,...
Critically Endangered
- The Red Sea Cliff Swallow is known from a single specimen, found dead in 1984 on the Suakin Archipelago, Sudan. - Its scientific name, *perdita*, is Latin for 'lost,' a poignant reflection of its elusive nature and possible extinction. - It is often referred to as one of the world's most enigma...