5 replies to this topic

[cwj2323]

We have had Barn and Tree Swallows in our yard and there is a colony of Cliff Swallows at the creek by us. This is the only picture I have, taken mid May this year at home.

I don't know if it is a trick of the camera, but it does look like there is a forehead marking on the bird at the right, but I don't see one on the left bird.

Any idea of who these birds are? Thank you very much.
[attachment=98438:whatswallow.jpg]

[psweet]

These are either Bank or juvenal Tree Swallows, and with that lighting I can't decide.

[koolhand]

I'm calling these juvenile bank swallows. The bird on the left particularly appears to show a "necktie" hanging down the middle of its breast, a condition commonly seen in bank swallow juves.

[Liam]

I'm calling these juvenile bank swallows. The bird on the left particularly appears to show a "necktie" hanging down the middle of its breast, a condition commonly seen in bank swallow juves.

Don't be deceived, Tree Swallows can show a pretty convincing breast band as well.
However, I agree with Bank based on the amount of white on the auriculars.

[cwj2323]

Thank you, all. I was about to delete that photo when I gave it a second look. And, thank you, Liam for explaining the auriculars for a field marking. Now I can have an idea what to look for the next time.

[koolhand]

"Don't be deceived, Tree Swallows can show a pretty convincing breast band as well.
However, I agree with Bank based on the amount of white on the auriculars."

I wasn't referring to the horizontal band, but the dark vertical line down the middle of the breast, a feature I've found to be much more prevalent in Bankers.