White-winged Swallow
A species of Typical American Swallows Scientific name : Tachycineta albiventer Genus : Typical American Swallows
White-winged Swallow, A species of Typical American Swallows
Botanical name: Tachycineta albiventer
Genus: Typical American Swallows
Content
Description General Info
Description
The adult white-winged swallow is 14 cm (5.5 in) long and weighs 14–17 g (0.49–0.60 oz). It has iridescent blue-green upperparts, white underparts and rump, and white edgings to the secondary flight feathers. The wings are otherwise black, along with the tail. It has dark brown eyes and a black bill and legs. The sexes are similar, although it is noted that the females have slightly less white on the wing. Juveniles have grayer underparts and are duller in general when compared to the adults. The juvenile also has less white on the wing. White-winged swallows can be distinguished from the similar mangrove swallow by the lack of a white line above its lores and a greater amount of white on its wings. The call is a harsh chirrup or a repeated, rising, buzz-like zweeed. The alarm call is short and harsh.
Size
14 cm
Feeding Habits
White-winged Swallow predominantly consumes insects. It captures prey in flight using agile aerial maneuvers. Unique for its ability to forage while gliding over water surfaces, white-winged Swallow actively hunts during daylight, showcasing a specialized feeding technique among swallows.
Habitat
White-winged Swallow typically inhabit lowland freshwater ecosystems, including the adjacent terrestrial environments. They are prevalent in habitats such as riparian corridors, the edges of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. These swallows often utilize areas up to middle elevations, generally not exceeding 500 meters. Their presence extends to landscapes like flooded grasslands, savannas, and forests close to waterbodies, where they exploit the abundance of insect prey and nesting opportunities.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
The white-winged swallow is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Occasional vagrants reach Panama. They are usually not found on the Pacific coast, especially in the southern portion of South America. The species is usually found in or near lowland areas along bodies of water such as rivers or lakes, at elevations of about 500 m (1,600 ft). It is resident in most of its range, although in the most southerly part it is migratory. In Brazil and Argentina, it is only present from approximately mid September to mid April. Where this population winters is not well known, but it is most likely in the Guianas, Venezuela, and Colombia.
Species Status
The white-winged swallow is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, based on its very large range, apparently stable population, and large population size.