Pacific Swallow

The Pacific swallow (Hirundo tahitica) is a member of the swallow family that measures a mere 13 centimetres in length. It boasts a striking blue-black back and crown, with wings and tail of a slightly browner hue. The face and throat radiate with a vibrant red, while the underparts are a more subdued dusky shade.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing the Pacific swallow from its relatives, one should note its shorter and less deeply forked tail, a feature that sets it apart from the barn swallow and the closely related welcome swallow.

Habitat

This bird is commonly found in coastal regions but has shown a notable expansion into forested uplands, adapting to a variety of environments.

Distribution

The Pacific swallow has a breeding range that spans tropical southern Asia and extends to the islands of the south Pacific.

Behaviour

In flight, it is agile and swift, capturing insects, particularly flies, in mid-air with remarkable precision.

Breeding

The Pacific swallow is a masterful builder, crafting a neat cup-shaped nest from mud pellets, often situated under cliff ledges or on human-made structures like buildings, bridges, or tunnels. The interior is lined with softer materials for comfort, and the typical clutch consists of two to three eggs.

Similar Species

When comparing the Pacific swallow to similar species, one should consider the tail length and fork depth, as well as the coloration of the face, throat, and underparts to differentiate it from the barn swallow and the welcome swallow.

Diet and Feeding

This species is an aerial insectivore, feeding predominantly on flies and other insects which it catches on the wing.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Pacific swallow as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers warranting a higher level of conservation priority.