Cave swallow

Petrochelidon fulva

The cave swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) is a medium-sized, squarish-tailed swallow belonging to the same genus as the more familiar and widespread cliff swallow of North America.

Family: Hirundinidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern
Cave swallow

About the Cave swallow

The cave swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) is a medium-sized, squarish-tailed swallow belonging to the same genus as the more familiar and widespread cliff swallow of North America. The cave swallow, also native to the Americas, nests and roosts primarily in caves and sinkholes. Cave swallows are found in Mexico and the Greater Antilles, with fall and winter vagrants reaching the east and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. Breeding colonies occur in south-eastern New Mexico, Texas, Florida, the Greater Antilles, portions of southern Mexico, and along the west coast of South America. Five subspecies are currently recognized according to Birds of North America, three occurring in North America and two in South America.

Fun Facts About Cave swallow

  • The cave swallow, also native to the Americas, nests and roosts primarily in caves and sinkholes.
  • Breeding colonies occur in south-eastern New Mexico, Texas, Florida, the Greater Antilles, portions of southern Mexico, and along the west coast of South America.

Conservation Status

The Cave swallow is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Orderpasserines
FamilyHirundinidae
GenusPetrochelidon
SpeciesPetrochelidon fulva

Range & Habitat

Range map of Cave swallow

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Related Species

Other species in the Hirundinidae family: