English and Scientific names:

Cave Swallow

Number of individuals: 

adult

Locality: LOUISIANA: 

Vermilion

Specific Locality:

Maree Michel Road, 1 mi E of Gueydan. I collected a juvenile and an adult at this site last summer.

Date(s) when observed:

5/2/2010

Time(s) of day when observed:  

Mid-day

Reporting observer and address:

Paul Conover

Lafayette, LA

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

Bill Vermillion

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s)

none

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

Bright/neutral effect

Optical equipment: 

Zeiss 10s, Nikon d50 w/200 mm lens, Sony Handicam.

Distance to bird(s): 

30 yards

Duration of observation:

Ca. 10 minutes

Habitat: 

Gravel road through agricultural area. A canal crosses the road under a bridge, and swallows nest under the bridge.   

Behavior of bird: 

Sitting on line.

 

 

Description:

 Typical adult Cave Swallow:

 

Square-tailed swallow, bluish back with thin paler stripes on mantle. Buff rump. Dusky wings that reached to about tail tip. Buff chin, throat, and sides of neck, slightly darker buff forehead, grayish on collar. Dark crown set off by buffy and grayish areas creating a capped look. Whitish underparts with dingy flanks. Dark legs, dark eyes and bill.

Voice:

 

Similar species:

Cliff Swallow—eliminated by throat color. 

Hybrid—no sign of hybrid features noted.

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

Yes. 

Previous experience with this species: 

Seen many times, mostly in state.

Identification aids:

 

This description is written from: 

Memory and photographs.

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

Yes.

Date and time: 

5/31/2010