Life List 070
Visually documented
Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
- First photographed
- June 23, 2026
- First location
- Utah, United States
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
An evolving study
Cliff Swallow portfolio
This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.
Natural history
Species at a glance
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Overview
The Cliff Swallow is a highly social swallow that builds enclosed gourd-shaped mud nests in dense colonies. Natural cliff sites remain important, but bridges, culverts, and buildings now support many colonies.
Identification
Compact with broad triangular wings, a square tail, pale forehead, chestnut throat, dark cap, buffy rump, and dark blue back. Juveniles are duller and show variable pale markings on the forehead and throat.
Range
Breeds across much of North America and migrates through Central America to spend the nonbreeding season mainly in southern South America.
Habitat
Open country near water, including grasslands, farms, canyons, rivers, reservoirs, and towns with vertical nesting surfaces and nearby mud.
Diet
Flying insects captured in the air, often while foraging in coordinated flocks.
Photography by Brittany Templin
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