How to Identify a Cliff Swallow

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Check the size of the bird. The Cliff Swallow is around 5 inches long. The Cliff Swallow's belly is white. Its wings are pointed and long, and its tail is squared at the end.
Step 2:
Look for mud nests on buildings, bridges, barns and caves. The birds usually nest in larger colonies in gourd-shaped nests.
Step 3:
Listen for a soft "chur" sound. The Cliff Swallow sings a squeaky twitter.
Step 4:
Compare the Cliff Swallow to others in its family. The Cave Swallow is the only other swallow with a pale bottom. It has a chestnut forehead unlike the Cliff Swallow's orange forehead.
Step 5:
Observe the bird follow other swallows from the colony for food. When one leaves the mud nest, many others will follow him to food.
Step 6:
View the Cliff Swallow eating primarily flying insects. They will catch the insects in mid-air by swooping down on them.

Tips & Warnings

Cliff swallows are easier to spot flying.
Cliff Swallows are hard to count because they congregate in large numbers, coming and going often.

Resources

Find facts about the Cliff Swallow at All About Birds--Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

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