Cave Swallow Similar Species Comparison

Adult

Adult

Small and compact swallow with small head and bill. Adults have dark blue backs, brownish wings, and pale chestnut cheeks and forehead.

Adult

Builds nest out of globs of mud, brought one by one in the bird's bill, to create a sturdy structure placed underneath an overhang.

Adult

Adults have a pale chestnut face and throat with a slightly darker chestnut forehead.

Adult (Caribbean)

In flight, note squared tail, broad wings, and chestnut rump. Birds in the Caribbean are generally brighter and darker with a richer chestnut rump than mainland birds.

Adult

Compact swallow with a small head, broad wings, and squared tail. Adults are pale below with a pale chestnut throat.

Juvenile

Juveniles look similar to adults but are more brown overall and have a paler throat and cheeks.

Adult

Adult

Flock

Nests and forages in groups. Here, members of a flock use their bills to collect mud to build a nest.

Adult

Builds a mud nest, which it cements to natural or human-made structures such as caves, sinkholes, buildings, silos, bridges, and culverts.