Swallows · Perching birds

European Red-rumped Swallow

Cecropis rufula

How to recognize it

Sparrow-sized
Blue-glossed black upperparts, buff underparts
Rufous-orange rump and buff face-throat
Deeply forked tail with dark undertail, no white tail spots

About the species

Blue-black above and pale buff below, the European Red-rumped Swallow has a warm reddish rump and an orange-red patch on the nape. The tail looks dark at the end, as if dipped in ink, and the fork is deep and sharp.

It flies fast and low, turning in quick swoops as it catches insects in the air. The call is a sharp, light twitter, often heard as it passes overhead or when several are feeding together.

Look for it over open country, gardens, villages, farmland, and open woodland. It eats flying insects, nests under cliffs or on buildings, and leaves northern areas for Africa in winter, though a few pass through Europe in spring and autumn.

Where to find

Under bridges, overpasses, and the arches of old buildings — perched on a ledge, then darting out after insects.
Over open lawns and vacant lots on the city edge — making fast, low circles while hawking prey on the wing.
Along canal banks, pond edges, and reed fringes — most noticeable when it drops toward the water to feed.
In village-like districts and near squares with low buildings — sitting on wires and giving short, chattery calls.