English and Scientific names:

Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva)

 

Number of individuals: 

~15 adults; 7 or possible slightly more nests.

 

Locality: LOUISIANA: 

Calcasieu

 

Specific Locality:

I-10 exit at US-165/Iowa; nesting under I-10 where the frontage road goes east.

 

Date(s) when observed:

22 and 27 April 2010

 

Time(s) of day when observed:  

noon and 11am

 

Reporting observer and address:

Erik I. Johnson

 

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

none on the 22nd, Hugo Gee and Emma DeLeon on the 27th

 

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s)

none known

 

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

sunny conditions, but seen in close range and in the shadows of the I-10 overpass giving excellent looks.  

 

Optical equipment: 

Swarovski EL 10x42

 

Distance to bird(s): 

5-50m

 

Duration of observation:

30 minutes on 22nd; 5 minutes on 27th

 

Habitat: 

Agricultural

Behavior of bird: 

nesting - flying around nests and resting in nests.  There are at least 7 nests known from the colony, but not all angles of the underside of I-10 was examined - there could be a few more nests.

 

Description:

Combination of dark forehead and pale orange throat separated it from Cliff Swallow, including mexican subspecies.  Nest shape also much more Barn Swallow-like, but with edges curled up, contacting "roof" or ceiling.

 

Voice:

cheeps like Cliff Swallow

 

Similar species:

Cliff Swallow has dark throat and pale forehead spot.  These birds had a pale orange throat and dark forehead spot.  Otherwise, very similar to Cliff Swallow with pale rump and squared tail.

 

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

yes.  

See web site to download:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67389689@N00/4544712710/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67389689@N00/4544080255/

Previous experience with this species: 

Seen at Sabine Pass and various places and times in central TX

 

Identification aids:

Sibley's Guide to Birds of North America after observation (to confirm difference from Mexican Cliff Swallow)

 

This description is written from: 

Memory

 

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

 

Yes

 

Date and time: 

1 May 2010, 20:45