RED-RUMPED SWALLOW
This bird is similar in size and shape to the barn swallow, but it has a distinctive orange-red rump rather than the dark bluey black of the barn swallow. It is also distinguished by its pale throat and steaked cream underparts. Its feeding pattern is the same as the barn swallow, flying low and catching insects in its beak. The reference books state that this bird is here between April and September, but I have found that they arrive in the south of the island from June onwards.
The red-rumped swallow breeds on cliffs on the coast and mountainous areas but will also nest in deserted buildings and under bridges. The nest is of mud and plant material and is a closed cup with an entrance tunnel. It is said to be lucky if you have such a nest on your property, as I do in my small workshop. These swallows have 2 to 3 broods of up to 5 eggs during the summer and have a life span of about 5 years.
