Red-rumped Swallow
Cecropis daurica

>> GENERAL >>>>>

– slightly smaller than a sparrow, slimmer and longer winged
– diurnal migrant
– migrates singly or in small, very loose flocks
– usually not very vocal during migration

>> VISUAL ID >>>>>


Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica rufula, AD probably M
BIF0501, 06/08/2010, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
– resembles Eastern Barn Swallows but most of the head concolorous with underside


Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica rufula, AD probably M
BIF0502, 21/07/2010, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
– bicoloured pale orange and whitish rump
– only cap is black


Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica rufula, AD probably F
BIF0503, 21/07/2010, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
– broader and blunter wing  than Barn Swallow
– the black vent is an important ID feature
– the underwing lacks a distinct contrast between coverts and remiges


Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica rufula, AD
BIF1968, 01/05/2008, Spain, Martin Grimm
– upperside shining dark black-blue contrasting to duller wings
– narrow orangey neck-collar


Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica ssp., AD
BIF1910, 27/02/2017, Trashigang, Buthan, Mathias Putze
– Asian ssp. with streaking on breast and belly
– flight action is somewhat ‘lazier’ than Barn Swallow


Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica ssp., AD probably F
BIF1911, 27/02/2017, Trashigang, Buthan, Mathias Putze
– in all ssp. M with longer tail streamers than F

>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>

calls in flight not yet sound recorded

>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>

Barn Swallow (v)
Common House Martin (v)
Sand Martin (v)
Brown-throated Martin (v)
Eurasian Crag Martin (v)
Pale Crag Martin (v)

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