Field Guide

European Red-Rumped Swallow

Cecropis rufula

Aves › Passeriformes › Hirundinidae › Cecropis

The European red-rumped swallow is a small passerine bird in the swallow family Hirundinidae. Historically, it was usually treated in a broad concept of the genus Hirundo, but is now treated in the genus Cecropis. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the eastern red-rumped swallow, united, together with the African red-rumped swallow, under the common name of red-rumped swallow.

How To Identify

It is a medium-sized swallow with a streamlined body and robust wings. Key distinguishing features include its overall dark coloration contrasted by reddish plumage on the tail area.

Habitat

It typically inhabits open rocky terrain, cliffs, gorges, and cultivated areas in warm, dry regions of southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and central Asia.

Behaviour

This swallow is highly aerial, catching insects in flight with remarkable agility, and often performs dramatic dives and acrobatic maneuvers while hunting over open country.

Did You Know?

The Red-rumped Swallow builds distinctive retort-shaped mud nests suspended from cliff faces or building eaves, complete with a long entrance tunnel that can measure up to 30 cm—an architectural marvel of the bird world.

Create a free account to log your sightings of the European Red-Rumped Swallow, see where it has been recorded near you and build your Wild List.

Privacy · Terms · Impressum · Credits · About the beta