Streak-throated Swallow
Petrochelidon fluvicola
黄额燕
Introduction
Passerine bird in family Hirundinidae. Native to South Asia, breeding in Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan; year-round resident or winter visitor. Vagrant in Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Middle East. Inhabits cultivated fields and open areas near water bodies. Forms large colonial mud nests with fused pot-like structures; individuals show strong site fidelity, returning to same nesting locations annually despite nest destruction. Conservation status not assessed in article.
Description
Sparrow-sized bird approximately 11 cm (4.3 in) in length. Dull chestnut forehead and crown. Upper feathers steel-blue; underparts whitish. Pale brown rump with square-ended tail. Brown streaks on throat and chest are diagnostic plumage feature. On cold mornings, large flocks gather densely on electric wires to warm in sun.
Identification
Brown streaks on throat and chest distinguish this species from similar swallows. Square tail shape and pale rump also aid identification. Dull chestnut crown contrasts with steel-blue upperparts.
Distribution & Habitat
Year-round resident across much of South Asia. Range extends from Pakistan's plains east along Himalayan foothills to Sikkim, then south through Indian peninsula to Point Calimere in Tamil Nadu. Inhabits cultivated fields and open areas near ponds, lakes, canals, and rivers, where it nests in large colonies.
Behavior & Ecology
Diet consists of midges and other tiny winged insects caught in aerial pursuit. Nesting season spans nearly year-round, from December to April and July to October. Builds large colonial mud nests consisting of multiple fused pot-like structures with short tubular entrances. Shows strong site fidelity—one colony was rebuilt within 4 months after destruction and returns annually to same locations. Voice is a twittering chirp while perched; gives sharp trr-trr call in flight.
Conservation
No IUCN assessment or population data provided in article.
Culture
No cultural significance or folklore mentioned in article.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Genus
- Petrochelidon
- eBird Code
- sttswa2
Distribution
northeastern Afghanistan to northern Pakistan and peninsular India
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.