Chilean Swallow
Tachycineta leucopyga
Common and familiar swallow of southern South America; found widely from the coast to Andean foothills and from open forests to beaches. Often near water and regularly around towns and villages, associating readily with slightly smaller Blue-and-white Swallow. Identified easily in most of range by clean white underparts and big white rump patch; also note that the tail is less deeply forked than Blue-and-White Swallow. Juvenile is duller above and with a variable dusky breast band.
Identification
The Chilean swallow is about 13 centimetres (5.1 in) in length and weighs 15–20 grams (0.53–0.71 oz). It is glossy blue-black above and white below with a white rump. Its wings and tail are black, with white tips on its inner secondaries and its tertials. Their underwing coverts and auxiliaries are both grey. The Chilean swallow's bill and legs are black. The sexes are alike, and the juveniles are duller and browner.<p>It is similar to the white-rumped swallow, but lacks the white forehead of that species and has bluer upperparts and grey underwing-coverts. In addition to this, the breeding ranges of the two have almost no overlap.
Taxonomy
The new genus Tachycineta was created for this group of swallows by German ornithologist Jean Cabanis in 1850. The current genus name Tachycineta, is from Ancient Greek takhukinetos, "moving quickly", and the specific meyeni commemorates Prussian botanist and collector Franz Meyen. Some consider the species name to be leucopyga, which is what the species name originally was. This species, along with the white-rumped swallow, T. leucorrhoa, form a superspecies. This species is monotypic.
- Scientific name
- Tachycineta leucopyga
- Authority
- (Meyen, 1834)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Genus
- Tachycineta
Range and habitat
This swallow is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Falkland Islands, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is vagrant to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. This swallow can also be found in Peru, but its origin is uncertain. Its breeding range is from the Atacama Desert in Chile and most of Argentina to the southern tip of South America. It is a year-round resident to the northern part of its range, but it is known to be migratory in the southern part. It is not well known where this population winters, but it seems to winter in northern Argentina, southern Brazil, Uruguay, and possibly Bolivia.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
This species has been seen to nest in both artificial and natural cavities, usually near water. They are usually solitary, although they will occasionally nest in loose groups if nest sites are near each other. Their nests are made from mud or dry grass and are lined with feathers.<p>This swallow is a seasonal breeder. It usually breeds from September and sometimes early October, especially near the tip of South America, to February. In Chile, it usually raises two to three broods.<p>The Chilean swallow usually has a clutch of four to six white eggs. The eggs measure 17.8 mm–21 mm × 13 mm–14.3 mm (0.70 in–0.83 in × 0.51 in–0.56 in) and weigh around 2 g (0.071 oz).<p>After the breeding season, it is found that the Chilean swallow forms flocks.<p>These birds are insectivores, usually feeding on flying insects. They usually forage alone or in small groups. When foraging, their flight paths are low and direct.
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Western Cattle-Egret
Ardea ibis
Small, compact white heron with relatively short yellow bill. More frequently seen in dry habitats than other egrets. In breeding season, look for pale salmon color on head and breast and brighter bill. Leg color varies from reddish or yellow during the breeding season to black during the nonbreeding season. Juveniles have dark bill. Always note relatively short, thick neck and short legs compared with other egrets. Often gathers in flocks, frequently following cattle or tractors in fields.
Pale-bellied Myna
Acridotheres cinereus
A gray starling with a contrastingly black head, a small tuft above the bill, a white wing patch, a pale eye, and yellow legs and beak. Juvenile browner than adult, with pale brown head. Groups inhabit open country in lowlands and foothills such as croplands, cultivated areas, and grasslands, frequently feeding on the ground, sometimes around livestock. Native to Sulawesi, introduced in Borneo. Differs from Crested Myna in white vent and from Javan Myna in paler belly; both of those species introduced on Borneo too. Vocalizations include rattles and whistles.
Cliff Flycatcher
Hirundinea ferruginea
This unmistakable long-winged flycatcher is widespread (though rarely very numerous) throughout much of South America. As the name implies it occurs around cliffs, landslides, and even buildings. Medium size, warm rufous coloration (brightest on the wings), and habitat are distinctive. Some variation across range, with birds in the Andes having more whitish speckling on the face. Compare with Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, which is larger and has a streaked throat. Usually seen singly or in pairs, perched conspicuously on a snag, rock face, powerline, or building.
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