Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

Cliffs Swallows are the species celebrated upon their spring return to the mission in San Juan Capistrano, California.  A very gregarious bird, Cliff Swallows often nest by the hundreds under bridges, highway overpasses, or sheltered locations on buildings.   Originally building their enclosed mud nests on cliffs, Cliff Swallows have taken advantage of human structures and have greatly expanded their range and numbers.  The huge Cliff Swallow colonies are welcomed with open arms by farmers because of the vast quantity of flying insects they can consume.

Habitat: Can be found in nearly any kind of semi-open country.

Diet: Primarily flying insects, occasionally other insects.  Will also eat berries and fruit.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song:  Long thin rattling and buzzing.

Migrations: Summers throughout much of North America.  Winters in Central and South America. 

Similar Species: Barn Swallow

Status: Generally increasing in range and in numbers.

Further Information: 1) - Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Cliff Swallow

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Cliff Swallow"

3) E-nature.com: Cliff Swallow

Photo Information: June 6th, 2003 -- Western Minnehaha County -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Cliff Swallow photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08