How to identify the Red-chested Swallow

To correctly identify the Red-chested Swallow (Cecropis semirufa), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

18-20 cm

Wingspan

30-35 cm

Weight

20-28 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have glossy dark blue-black upperparts, including the crown, mantle, back, and wings. The rump is a contrasting bright rufous-chestnut. The underparts are entirely rich rufous-chestnut, extending from the chin to the undertail coverts. The tail is deeply forked, with elongated outer tail feathers, especially in males. The underwing coverts are also rufous.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Small, flattened, and triangular, adapted for aerial insect capture; black in color.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of glossy dark blue upperparts, bright rufous rump, and entirely rufous underparts is diagnostic. The deeply forked tail is also a key feature.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller than adults, with less glossy upperparts and paler, more washed-out rufous underparts. The tail streamers are shorter and less developed.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly duller when worn before molting.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males typically have longer outer tail streamers than females, which can be a subtle difference. Otherwise, sexes are largely similar in plumage.

Key field marks

• Underparts Color. Look for the entirely plain, rich rufous-chestnut underparts from chin to undertail. This is the most distinctive feature.
• Rump Color. Observe the bright rufous-chestnut rump, which contrasts sharply with the glossy dark blue back.
• Upperparts Gloss. Note the glossy dark blue-black coloration of the crown, mantle, and wings.
• Tail Shape. Identify the deeply forked tail, especially the elongated outer streamers in adults.
• Flight Style. Watch for its graceful, agile flight with rapid wing beats and glides, typical of swallows, as it hawks for insects.

Explore the Red-chested Swallow