Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Cliff Swallows are highly social and distinctive swallows that are common in Oregon, often nesting in large colonies under bridges, on cliffsides, and in culverts. Unlike some other swallow species, male and female Cliff Swallows have very similar plumage, making them difficult to distinguish visually in the field.
General Appearance (Both Sexes):
Size and Shape: Compact, chunky swallows, about 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) long, with broad-based, rounded wings and a short, squared-off tail. This square tail is a key feature that easily distinguishes them from the deeply forked tail of the Barn Swallow.
Color Pattern:
Upperparts: They have iridescent dark blue backs, crowns, and wings.
Rump: A striking and diagnostic pale, buffy, or rusty-orange rump patch, which is very visible in flight and helps distinguish them from all other swallows.
Head: A pale, buffy-white or off-white forehead patch (like a "headlamp"), which contrasts with their dark, often rich chestnut or brick-red cheeks and throat.
Underparts: Their underparts are generally white or pale buffy, usually with a darker throat patch.
Flight: They have a distinctive, often more direct and less erratic flight compared to some other swallows, often soaring in circles while foraging.
Nesting: They are highly colonial, building characteristic bottle- or gourd-shaped mud nests that are fully enclosed with a small entrance hole, often plastered together in dense clusters on vertical surfaces.
Vocalization: They are very vocal around their colonies, giving a variety of chattering and squeaky calls.
Male Cliff Swallows:
Plumage: Males and females look remarkably alike. Any differences are extremely subtle and often not discernible in field conditions.
Throat Patch (subtle): Some sources suggest that males may have a slightly larger or darker patch of dark blue or black feathers on their throat, but this is highly variable and not a reliable field mark.
Behavioral Cues: During the breeding season, males may be more involved in nest defense or mate guarding, but these are behaviors rather than plumage differences.
Female Cliff Swallows:
Plumage: Females are essentially identical to males in their overall plumage. They share the same iridescent blue back, buffy rump, pale forehead, and chestnut face.
Brood Patch: The most definitive way to identify a female (if the bird is handled) is the presence of a brood patch during the nesting season.
Key Challenges for Identification and Sexing in Oregon:
Minimal Sexual Dimorphism: The biggest challenge is the lack of obvious visual differences between the sexes. You cannot reliably tell male from female Cliff Swallows based on their plumage alone.
Distinguishing from other Swallows: Focus on the key field marks that define the species: the short, square tail, the buffy rump patch, the pale forehead, and the chestnut face. These features are present in both sexes.
General Appearance (Both Sexes):
Size and Shape: Compact, chunky swallows, about 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) long, with broad-based, rounded wings and a short, squared-off tail. This square tail is a key feature that easily distinguishes them from the deeply forked tail of the Barn Swallow.
Color Pattern:
Upperparts: They have iridescent dark blue backs, crowns, and wings.
Rump: A striking and diagnostic pale, buffy, or rusty-orange rump patch, which is very visible in flight and helps distinguish them from all other swallows.
Head: A pale, buffy-white or off-white forehead patch (like a "headlamp"), which contrasts with their dark, often rich chestnut or brick-red cheeks and throat.
Underparts: Their underparts are generally white or pale buffy, usually with a darker throat patch.
Flight: They have a distinctive, often more direct and less erratic flight compared to some other swallows, often soaring in circles while foraging.
Nesting: They are highly colonial, building characteristic bottle- or gourd-shaped mud nests that are fully enclosed with a small entrance hole, often plastered together in dense clusters on vertical surfaces.
Vocalization: They are very vocal around their colonies, giving a variety of chattering and squeaky calls.
Male Cliff Swallows:
Plumage: Males and females look remarkably alike. Any differences are extremely subtle and often not discernible in field conditions.
Throat Patch (subtle): Some sources suggest that males may have a slightly larger or darker patch of dark blue or black feathers on their throat, but this is highly variable and not a reliable field mark.
Behavioral Cues: During the breeding season, males may be more involved in nest defense or mate guarding, but these are behaviors rather than plumage differences.
Female Cliff Swallows:
Plumage: Females are essentially identical to males in their overall plumage. They share the same iridescent blue back, buffy rump, pale forehead, and chestnut face.
Brood Patch: The most definitive way to identify a female (if the bird is handled) is the presence of a brood patch during the nesting season.
Key Challenges for Identification and Sexing in Oregon:
Minimal Sexual Dimorphism: The biggest challenge is the lack of obvious visual differences between the sexes. You cannot reliably tell male from female Cliff Swallows based on their plumage alone.
Distinguishing from other Swallows: Focus on the key field marks that define the species: the short, square tail, the buffy rump patch, the pale forehead, and the chestnut face. These features are present in both sexes.