Pacific Swallow

Pacific Swallow

Scientific Name: Hirundo javanica

Malay Name: Layang-layang Biasa

Chinese Name: 洋燕

Range: Breeding Range: (OR, AU) se Asia to New Guinea and Society Islands

Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: javanica, namiyei, frontalis, albescens, ambiens, subfusca.

Local Subspecies: javanica

Size: 13-14 cm

Identification: Forked tail with dark upperparts and dark blue gloss. Rufous forehead, throat, upper breast. Underparts grey.

Similar looking species: Barn Swallow, Eastern Red-rumped Swallow

Habitat: Found extensively throughout Singapore.

Behaviour/Ecology: Told apart from other airborne birds by flying by folding wings back. 

Local Status: Very common resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2017)

Location: Widespread.

References:

BirdLife International. (2017). Hirundo tahitica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T104006414A112879446.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

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