Sri Lanka swallow

Sri Lanka swallow
Two adults in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Hirundinidae
Genus:	Cecropis
Species:	C. hyperythra
Binomial name
Cecropis hyperythra (Blyth, 1849)
Synonyms[2]
Cecropis daurica hyperythra Hirundo daurica hyperythra

The Sri Lanka swallow (Cecropis hyperythra) is a resident breeder endemic to Sri Lanka. It is closely related to the red-rumped swallow, and was formerly considered a subspecies.

Description

It is a large swallow with a tail which forks deeply, and the combination of deep rufous underside and navy blue rump without any marks is a unique feature of this species. Its rufous underside can be used to tell it apart from the red-rumped swallow. It is a passerine, which means it has three toes pointing forward and one pointing backward, allowing it to perch.[3]

Habitat

It is found in a variety of open country habitats in both the lowlands and foothills in Sri Lanka, including farm fields and lightly wooded areas.[3]

Behaviour

It usually lives in pairs or small groups.[3]

References

• Rasmussen, P.C., and J.C. Anderton. 2005. Birds of South Asia. The Ripley guide. Volume 2: attributes and status. Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions, Washington D.C. and Barcelona

1. BirdLife International (2017). "Cecropis hyperythra". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T103812653A112878901. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T103812653A112878901.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
2. "Cecropis hyperythra". Avibase.
3. "Sri Lanka Swallow - eBird". ebird.org. Retrieved 2020-07-29.