Red-rumped Swallow
Scientific Name: Hirundo dauricaMaltese Name: Regina tal-Huttaf
Family: Swallows (Hirundinidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Red-rumped Swallow is not as widespread as its closer species the Barn Swallow. As it name implies, it has a red rump on its back which is a key feature in flight. It has a dark cap, rufous sides, dark bluish back and pale throat and undersides. In flight it also has two tail streamers. It takes insects in air like other members of its family. It builds a semi-circular nest in a cave or under eaves, laying 3-5 eggs. The Red-rumped Swallow is a bird of southern Europe and migrates to Africa like other hirundines.
Status:
Scarce in spring and very irregular in autumn, often seen in small flocks or mixed up with other members of its family.
When to See:
Spring; March until early May, autumn; mainly September.
Where to See:
Prefers open areas with water present, ponds and dams and also valleys. It can be overlooked as it may be difficult to spot in large flocks of Barn Swallows. Ghadira and Simar Nature Reserves, Lunzjata Valley, Ramla l-Hamra and Ghajn Rihana are all good sites amongst many others.
Photographs:
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Red-rumped Swallow, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Red-rumped Swallow, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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