Posted by Rob Graham on August 1, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Last week, a quartet of birders reported finding 2 adult Cave Swallows and 1 juvenile Cave Swallow at Cheyenne Bottoms, Barton County, KS. I believe this is only the 6th report of this species in the state. I was able to get out to the Bottoms a couple days later to search for the swallows. After reviewing my photos, the upper right bird in this line of swallows jumped out me. It doesn't seem to match any of the other birds (Cliff, Barn, Bank, Northern Rough-wing) that were present that day. It does appear similar to the juvenile Cave Swallow shown in the "National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America." Is this bird a juvenile Cave Swallow, or one of the other common swallow species? Thanks in advance.
Posted by Rob Graham on August 1, 2009 at 11:46 PM
picture 2 after the other swallow conveniently flew off :)
I don't have extensive experience with Cave Swallows, but I'd expect a large rusty patch on the butt on a juvenile Cave Swallow. I think it's a Barn Swallow that just hasn't grown out its tail feathers yet. I'd love to be wrong...
Posted by Rob Graham on August 3, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Jim, thanks for replying. I do believe you are wrong :). I went out this morning, and spent an hour observing and photographing the flock. Whenever this bird showed up, he stood out from the others, IMO. I have one blurry shot showing the straight tail, with no long feathers. Also, all the Barn Swallows are blue with mostly orange underneath. I'm thinking this is either going to be the Cave Swallow or a Cliff Swallow, but I don't know how to separate them. I'm attaching 3 pics from this morning.
Posted by Rob Graham on August 3, 2009 at 12:14 AM
new pic #2
Posted by Rob Graham on August 3, 2009 at 12:14 AM
According to Sibley and BNA, a juvenile Cave Swallow has a largish rusty patch on his lower back and butt. There's absolutely no sign of that here.
Juvenile Barn Swallows don't have long tails, hence my guess before.
And the rascals do hybridize.
I suggest emailing Richard Ditch, who's probably the best birder on NPN, and see if you can get him to weigh in...
Posted by Rob Graham on August 11, 2009 at 12:13 AM
Well, sorta answered. Three local experts studied the photos, all of whom are familiar with both species. Two originally reported the juvenile Cave Swallow, the third saw the adults. All agree that the bird shares features of both Cliff and Cave. None can make a definitive call of Cave Swallow, so I'm going to consider it a juvenile Cliff Swallow. I've gone out trying to relocate the bird with no luck.
Discussion
7 repliesJuvenile Barn Swallows don't have long tails, hence my guess before.
And the rascals do hybridize.
I suggest emailing Richard Ditch, who's probably the best birder on NPN, and see if you can get him to weigh in...