Swallows

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

A colonial swallow with a square tail, pale forehead, rusty throat, and buff rump. Builds distinctive mud-pellet gourd-shaped nests under eaves and cliff overhangs throughout Kodiak.

Where to look

Bridges, building eaves, and coastal cliffs around Kodiak town; nests colonially under the Coast Guard base structures.

Habitat

Open areas near cliffs, bridges, and buildings; requires mud for nest construction.

Diet

Flying insects.

Natural history note

Cliff Swallows are master engineers, constructing elaborate gourd-shaped mud nests using up to 1,000 individual mud pellets.