The Cliff Swallow builds gourd-shaped mud nests in large colonies under bridges, on cliff faces, and on building eaves — a single colony may contain thousands of nests. It has a distinctive square tail and pale buffy rump that separate it from the forked-tailed Barn Swallow. The famous return of swallows to San Juan Capistrano each March refers to this species.
Habitat
Open country near cliffs, bridges, and water
Diet
Flying insects, especially winged ants and beetles
How common
Common
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