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English and Scientific names: |
Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon
fulva) |
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Number of individuals: |
1 presumed adult |
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Locality: |
East Baton Rouge |
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Specific Locality: |
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Date(s) when observed: |
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Time(s) of day when
observed: |
12:08-12:10 PM CDT |
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Reporting observer and address: |
Justin Bosler Baton Rouge, LA |
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Other observers accompanying reporter who
also identified the bird(s): |
None |
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Other observers accompanying reporter who independently
identified the bird(s): |
None |
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Light
conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount
of light): |
Fairly bright overcast
conditions with intermittent breaks in the clouds. Swallow was seen head on
and from above, so bright backlighting wasn't a factor in the ID. Observed in
fine light against dark tree line on west bank and against muddy river water. |
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Optical equipment: |
Zeiss Victory FL 8x42
binocular (good condition) |
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Distance to
bird(s): |
roughly 75 meters at
closest point |
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Duration of
observation: |
1-2 minutes |
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Habitat: |
Mississippi River,
adjacent to batture along east bank protection levee |
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Behavior of bird: |
The CASW appeared in my scope as I was checking the scattered flotsam moving downriver. I followed the swallow for nearly a minute as it coursed low over the river in a loose zig-zag pattern slowly making its way downriver. I eventually lost it in the heat haze and glare just above the surface of the water downriver as it mingled with Northern Rough-winged Swallows. Given the stiff west wind (16-18 mph), all of the swallows were fairly snug against the surface and east bank of the river. It approached the shoreline within 75-100 meters, but never crossed over land. |
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Description: |
Compact, square-tailed swallow with orangish buff rump, dark bluish back with distinct longitudinal white streaks, dark wings, and pale buff collar separating dark bluish back and dark cap. Cheeks, sides of neck, and throat were a pale orange-buff with contrasting dark rusty forehead patch and extensively white belly. Undertail coverts with dusky/dark brown centers. Aged as adult by relatively crisp, bright plumage, especially on upperparts. Presence or absence of wing molt could not be assessed on the flying swallow without photos. |
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Voice: |
No voice heard |
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Similar
species: |
Cliff Swallow was eliminated by rusty-red cheeks, sides of neck, and throat, with dusky markings on lower throat. Forehead patch cream to buffy in expected nominate Cliff Swallows. White mantle braces also evident on CLSW. Melanogaster CLSW with cheeks and throat similar to nominate, but with rusty or chestnut forehead. A good look at the head/face is crucial for positive ID. Rump color very similar between CLSW and CASW, and not used in separating the two in the field. Late fall Petrochelidons just as likely to be CASW as CLSW, considering most CLSW pass through LA before mid-October. Other swallows were eliminated by tail shape, general plumage coloration, and flight style. |
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Photographs
or tape recordings obtained? |
Unfortunately, no photos or video |
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Previous
experience with this species: |
Extensive experience in TX, and to a lesser extent in LA |
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Identification aids: |
None |
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This description is written from: |
This description has been written from memory and notes taken during the observation. |
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Are
you positive of your identification? If not, explain: |
Yes, 100% positive |
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Reporter: |
Justin Bosler
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Date and time: |
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