Tachycineta leucorrhoa
The White-rumped Swallow, *Tachycineta leucorrhoa*, is a graceful and widespread passerine found across much of central and eastern South America. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length with a slender build and a weight typically ranging from 14-18 grams (0.5-0.6 oz), this species exhibits striking plumage. Adults display iridescent metallic blue-black upperparts that often shimmer with green or violet hues, contrasting sharply with their pristine white underparts. Its mo...
This adaptable species thrives in open habitats, including grasslands, savannas, agricultural fields, and urban areas, almost invariably near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or ponds. It is typically found from sea level up to moderate elevations of around 2,000 meters.
The White-rumped Swallow is an obligate aerial insectivore, primarily feeding on a diverse array of small flying insects, including flies, beetles, ants, and wasps. It expertly captures its prey on the wing, often foraging over open fields or water at varying altitudes.
White-rumped Swallows are highly social birds, often seen foraging, roosting, and migrating in large, dynamic flocks, sometimes comprising hundreds or even thousands of individuals. Their daily routine revolves around continuous aerial foraging, actively hawking insects from dawn until dusk, whil...
The White-rumped Swallow enjoys a broad distribution across central and eastern South America. Its extensive breeding range spans from southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, extending westward into Bolivia and southeastern Peru, and southward through central Argentina and Chile. Southern populat...
Least Concern
- The White-rumped Swallow is one of the most common swallows to nest in human-made structures throughout its South American range, often utilizing bridges, culverts, and even buildings. - Unlike many swallows that line their nests exclusively with feathers, this species frequently incorporates m...