Andean Swallow
Orochelidon andecola
Uncommon to fairly common but sometimes local in the high Andes. Favors open country, such as rocky slopes, puna grasslands, bogs, and sometimes around villages and towns. Usually in pairs or small groups flying fast and often rather low; sometimes associates with Blue-and-white Swallows. Distinctive but rather nondescript: dark above and whitish below with a cleft tail, dusky throat, and vaguely brownish rump. Note that the undertail coverts are whitish on Andean, but dark on Blue-and-White Swallows.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Orochelidon andecola
- Authority
- (d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Genus
- Orochelidon
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Comoro Thrush
Turdus bewsheri
A typical thrush in shape and size, but with unusual brown coloration. Varies significantly across the three islands where it occurs, and these populations may be full species. The Grand Comoro birds have plain pale brown underparts, the Moheli birds have darker blotching below, and the distinctive Anjouan birds are scaled on the underparts. Found in humid forest, secondary habitats, and plantations, mostly at higher elevations, though down to sea level in some places. The song is a typical thrush mix of whistles and quavering notes, whose exact structure varies on the different islands. Also gives “pik” notes, short trills, and a high-pitched “seet.”
Southern Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialoides
Distinctive, medium-sized silvery-gray petrel. Breeds around Antarctica, but regular migrant north to Chile, especially in winter. Often in groups and regularly follows ships; can be seen feeding and scavenging with giant-petrels at sewage outflows along shore of Strait of Magellan. Note white flash in dark wing-tip, and at close range the pink bill with black tip and bluish tubenose.
Bahian Nighthawk
Nyctiprogne vielliardi
Distinctive chestnut nighthawk, lacking white marks on either the tail or wings, and barred below. Found in caatinga woodland along rivers across a restricted distribution. The song is a double-noted "whuip-purr." In flight, gives a “whip" call.
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