White-backed Swallow
A species of White-backed Swallow Scientific name : Cheramoeca leucosterna Genus : White-backed Swallow
White-backed Swallow, A species of White-backed Swallow
Botanical name: Cheramoeca leucosterna
Genus: White-backed Swallow
Content
Description General Info
Description
An adult white-backed swallows averages 15 cm long, similar in size to other swallows found within Australia. The adult has a mottled grey cap above white eyebrows and a grey eye stripe across the nape of the neck. The back and most of the breast is white. The belly, wings and tail are black. The white-backed swallow has a deeply forked tail, with curved and pointed wings. The short bill is black; the legs and feet are grey. They have a slender, streamlined body. Their eyes consist of a prominent, dark iris. The sexes have similar colouring but during adolescence the white-backed swallow has duller colours. 
Size
15 cm
Nest Placement
Cavity
Feeding Habits
White-backed Swallow primarily consumes beetles, mirid bugs, flies, lepidopterans, hymenopterans such as ants and wasps, and spiders. They feed alone or in small flocks, often at high altitudes, and may join other swallow species. White-backed Swallow's flight during foraging is fluttery and erratic.
Habitat
The habitat of white-backed Swallow typically consists of open areas often in proximity to bodies of water. These birds are predominantly associated with regions that feature rivers with sandy banks, where they engage in nesting and foraging activities, favoring the accessibility to water and open spaces for their survival.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Behavior
White-backed Swallows are insectivorous and feed in-flight on insects, like all known swallows. The composition of its diet varies by geographic region and with the time of year. The white-backed swallow typically nests by digging a horizontal tunnel into a vertical dirt cliff. Predation of swallows nests is known to occur, typically from foxes and cats.
Distribution Area
White-backed Swallows are endemic to Australia and have a wide population distribution on the continent. They can be found from the southern latitudes of Australia and their range extends to the Tropic of Capricorn. Occasionally, after inland rainfall, white-backed swallows can extend their range to encompass the entire southern portion of Australia including the desert regions. White-backed Swallows prefer open country, above open grassland and low shrubs. During the breeding season, they have a strong preference for habitats around creek beds. There is no population count, but the species is reported to be common. Due to range expansion from land clearance and mining, the population is estimated to be increasing. Due to the large range and increasing population, the white-backed swallow is categorised as least concern.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Swallows Genus
White-backed Swallow Species
White-backed Swallow 
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