English and Scientific names:

Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva)

 

Number of individuals: 

2 adults

 

 

Locality: LOUISIANA: 

Cameron Parish

Specific Locality:

Sabine Pass bridge, Hwy. 82

 

Date(s) when observed:

April 25, 2004

Time(s) of day when observed:  

Mid-morning.

 

Reporting observer and address:

 

Phillip Wallace

New Orleans, LA

 

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

Mac Myers, Curt Sorrells, Joe Kleiman

 

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): 

Seen by many others before and after this observation.

 

Light conditions: 

Good. Light behind observers.

Optical equipment: 

Zeiss 10x40 binoculars

 

Distance to bird(s): 

10-15 yards

Duration of observation:

3-4 minutes

 

Habitat: 

Mud puddle in parking lot next to the bridge across Sabine Pass. Also flying over water and under bridge.

 

Behavior of bird: 

The birds were gathering mud for nest building and flying around the parking lot and over the water.

 

Description:

The birds were the size and shape of the adjacent Cliff Swallows. The cap was dark blue and clearly set off by the pale buffy throat and auricular area, which blended into an even paler nape. The pale coloration on the forehead was broader than that of the Cliff Swallows and possibly slightly darker than the throat, not at all like the stark white forehead of the Cliff Swallows. The back was dark blue with white streaks. The underparts were whitish with dull grayish markings on the flanks and axillars. The rump was also pale buff in color.

 

 

Voice:

None

 

Similar species:

The pale throat and auricular area, along with the absence of black on the throat, rule out Cliff Swallow. 

 

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

Stills taken from video accompany this report. The complete video will be submitted to the LBRC.

 

Previous experience with this species: 

I've seen them a few times in LA and a few more times in TX.

 

Identification aids: at time of observation:

None.

Identification aids after observation:

 

Sibley and Pyle.

This description is written from: 

From memory and from the video.

 

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

 

Yes. This is the best look I've ever had of Cave Swallows, and they were very cooperative for the video.

Reporter: 

Phillip Wallace

Date and time: 

June 9, 2004