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Cliff Swallow

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The Cliff Swallow is a highly social bird, distinguished by its dark rufous face, light forehead patch, and pale rump. It is renowned for its communal nesting behavior.

Where to spot

Widespread across North and Central America, breeding from Alaska to Mexico. Found in open country, prairies, farmlands, and near water, always requiring vertical surfaces for nesting.

How to spot

Look for their pale rump, dark throat, and square tail. Observe them flying in large, swirling flocks near bridges, cliffs, or buildings. Listen for their distinctive squeaky, chattering calls.

When to spot

Migratory, arriving in breeding grounds in spring (April-May) and departing in late summer/early autumn (August-September). Best observed during daylight, especially around active nesting colonies.

Where to spot

Widespread across North and Central America, breeding from Alaska to Mexico. Found in open country, prairies, farmlands, and near water, always requiring vertical surfaces for nesting.

How to spot

Look for their pale rump, dark throat, and square tail. Observe them flying in large, swirling flocks near bridges, cliffs, or buildings. Listen for their distinctive squeaky, chattering calls.

When to spot

Migratory, arriving in breeding grounds in spring (April-May) and departing in late summer/early autumn (August-September). Best observed during daylight, especially around active nesting colonies.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Cliff Swallows are masters of colonial living, often nesting in huge groups of hundreds or even thousands of pairs. Their bottle-shaped mud nests, built under eaves, bridges, or cliffs, are a common sight.

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