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Cave Swallow
Petrochelidon fulva
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About the Cave Swallow
The cave swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) is a medium-sized, squarish-tailed swallow belonging to the same genus as the more familiar and widespread cliff swallow of North America. The cave swallow, also native to the Americas, nests and roosts primarily in caves and sinkholes. Cave swallows are found in Mexico and the Greater Antilles, with fall and winter vagrants reaching the east and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. Breeding colonies occur in south-eastern New Mexico, Texas, Florida, the Greater Antilles, portions of southern Mexico, and along the west coast of South America. Five subspecies are currently recognized according to Birds of North America, three occurring in North America and two in South America.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Petrochelidon fulva
- Family
- Swallows
- Order
- Passeriformes
Similar species
Other members of the swallows family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- Bahama Swallow Tachycineta cyaneoviridis
- Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
- Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
- Black-capped Swallow Atticora pileata
- Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
- Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera
- Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
- Cuban Martin Progne cryptoleuca
- Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
- Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
- Purple Martin Progne subis
Know when the Cave Swallow turns up near you
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Optics
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Cameras
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