deeply forked tail; rufous forehead and throat (Australia; 2006-06-20)


Welcome Swallow
Hirundo neoxena

Native Range: Australian Region

Notes: Australia's counterpart of the Barn Swallow of the Americas and Eurasia, but lacks the blue-black breast band that the Barn Swallow displays; no sexual dimorphism; a superb flyer that often occurs in large swarming flocks, catching insects on the wing.


glossy blue-black upperparts; creamy white below (Australia; 2006-06-20)

dorsal view (Australia; 2006-06-20)

small swallow-like bill (Australia; 2006-06-20)

ventral view; note the absence of dark breast band (Australia; 2006-06-20)