Pacific Swallow

Scientific Name: Hirundo tahitica
Malay Name: Layang-layang Biasa
Chinese Name: 洋斑燕

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

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

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, Red-rumped Swallow

Habitat: Found extensively throughout Singapore.

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

Local Status: Common resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2017)

Location: Widespread.

Photos:

Pacific Swallow at Pasir Ris Park. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Pacific Swallow. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Pacific Swallow at Yishun Dam. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Pacific Swallow at Chek Jawa. Photo credit: Francis Yap

External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Pacific Swallow)

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 19 December 2021