Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

Brendon Grice discovered and photographed this Cave Swallow at the Gilbert Water Ranch on 9 February 2008 and photographed it again under better conditions on 18 February.  Both times it was perching with Northern Rough-winged Swallows on the northern end of Pond 4.  Cave Swallow is casual in Arizona with five accepted records before this year.  This is the third sighting this year, although this is the only one so far that has been photographed this year. 

Cave Swallow is an ABC review species..  The ABC requests that reports of these species be accompanied by full details, including when possible, a photo, tape recording, video, or field sketch.  Please send documentation to the Arizona Bird Committee via the online form or click here for further instructions and information about ABC.  Submission of documentation to AZFO does not constitute submission to the ABC.

This is either a Cave or Cliff Swallow because it has a buffy rump and streaked back.  It is a Cave Swallow because it has a pale gray nape, small dark cap, darkish forehead, pale face, throat and cheek.  A juvenile Cliff Swallow would have some dark on the face and throat, and of course in February it is almost impossible for a Cliff Swallow to be in juvenile plumage.  

Fig 1.  Note that this bird is an immature.  It has a pale buffy head due to buffy feather tips.  These tips will eventually wear away, revealing the adult head pattern of striking black cap and cinnamon forehead.  Already the bird shows more black around the eye than it did in the earlier pictures below. 

18 February 2008 photo by Brendon Grice

9 February 2008 photos by Brendon Grice