Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
The Cliff Swallow is a small, agile songbird recognized by its pale forehead, dark throat, and cinnamon-colored rump. In Patagonia, these swallows are summer visitors, arriving in large flocks to breed. They are highly gregarious, often nesting in colonies of hundreds or even thousands of pairs. Their nests, constructed from mud pellets, are attached to cliffs, bridges, or buildings, forming impressive clusters. Cliff Swallows are excellent fliers, catching insects on the wing with remarkable precision. Their chattering calls and synchronized flight patterns are a common sight and sound near nesting sites. After breeding, they undertake long migrations to their wintering grounds in South America.
Habitat
Open areas near water, cliffs, canyons, and human structures such as bridges and buildings.
Foraging
Feeds on flying insects, captured in midair during agile, acrobatic flights over open areas.