Swallows Hirundinidae

Members of these small to medium-sized passerines are found on every continent, except Antarctica. The 85 species are divided into 19 genera, of which 7 are so far described below. The White-eyed River-martin Eurochelidon sirintarae is critically endangered and another 6 species are vulnerable.



Riparia

There are 4 members of this genus.

Known in the New World as Bank Swallow, this Sand Martin Riparia riparia was photographed near Sheringham, Norfolk, England, June 2009.







Tachycineta

There are 9 species in this genus. The Bahama Swallow Tachycineta cyaneoviridis and Golden Swallow Tachycineta euchrysea are vulnerable.

The Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea is typically found in the lowlands of northern Mexico south to Panama. Photographed at the Montana de Fuego resort, near the Volcan Arenal National Park, Alajuela, Costa Rica, June 2007.





Pygochelidon

This is the only member of the genus.

Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca at Savegre, Cerro de la Muerte, Costa Rica, March 2009.








Stelgidopteryx

There are 3 species in this genus.

Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis at the Bosque del Rio Tigre, near Puerto Jimenez, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, April 2009.







Hirundo

There are 33 species in this genus. The Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea and White-tailed Swallow Hirundo megaensis are vulnerable.

The Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica is the most widespread member of the family. They breed in North America, Europe, and Asia. They migrate south for the winter to South America, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and southern Asia. This adult Barn Swallow was present at the San Pedro River, near Sierra Vista, Arizona, July 2001.





Delichon

There are 3 species in this genus.

Northern House Martin Delichon urbicum at the King's Mill Reservoir, near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, July 2009.







Petrochelidon

There are 3 species in this genus.

The Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva has several disjunct populations spread across the southern United States, Mexico, and the Greater Antilles. Birds of the southern United States migrate south for the winter. This species is adapting to using non-cave breeding sites such as highway bridges and culverts, which probably explains why they are expanding their range. This photo of an adult Cave Swallow is one of several thousand birds that nest in the entrance of the world famous Carlsbad Caverns, Eddy County, New Mexico, July 2007.





PASSERINES