Red-rumped Swallow

Cecropis daurica

Rare & annual migrants from Southern Europe with 30-60 per year & 50 records for Ireland.

Breeds across Southern Europe & North Central Africa from April-October. 

Winters in South Africa.

Adults have blue-glossed black upperparts and pale buffy underparts. Within Europe, it most closely resembles Barn Swallow, but is easily distinguished by being buffier below, with pale orangey or reddish rump, a pale buffy face and throat, and an orangey-red nape collar.

The tail is deeply forked, much more than a Western House Martin but slightly less than a Barn Swallow.

Juveniles are duller than the Adults.