Eastern Red-rumped Swallow

Cecropis daurica

Family: Swallows · Status: Common migrant · Size: 16–17 cm · Conservation: Not Evaluated

Range

Breeds across Eurasia and the East Asia; migratory northern populations winter east across Southeast Asia south to the Thai-Malay Peninsula and Borneo.

Identification

Glossy blue-black upperparts with an extensive rufous rump (that can be much paler in non-breeding plumage and juvenile birds); whitish underparts with black streaks, especially on the throat; long, deeply forked tail. Told apart from Pacific and Barn Swallow by streaked underparts and contrasting pale rump, as well as lack of rufous on the face and upper breast.

Habitat

Aerial over open areas, wetlands, and coastal habitats.

Behaviour

Forages aerially with slow, buoyant flight; frequently feeds alongside other swallows.