White-banded Swallow

Overview

The white-banded swallow (Atticora fasciata) is a medium-sized bird in the family Hirundinidae found across tropical lowlands in South America. It is a non-migratory species classified as least concern by the IUCN, though its population is gradually declining due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Body is predominantly black with a blue-black luster, featuring a white band on the breast, white thighs, and white bars on the edges of the wings.
• Measures approximately 15 cm in length with a wingspan of 92–108 mm, and possesses a distinct, deeply forked tail.
• Vocalisations include a 'ti-ti-tur' call and a buzzy 'z-z-z-z-ee-eep' sound often given in flight.

Habitat

Native to Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela, this species inhabits tropical lowland evergreen forests and forested areas near water. It favours blackwater and whitewater rivers, nesting in burrows on rocky outcrops or riverbanks, and is rarely found over lakes or above 800 m, though it reaches up to 1,400 m in Colombia.

Diet

As an insectivore, it feeds in the air by flying rapidly in zigzag paths or circles above the water, occasionally skimming the surface. It forages low over water, forests, clearings, or grassy areas with bushes, usually alone or in small groups, and occasionally perches on boulders.

Did you know?

The genus name Atticora is derived from Ancient Greek terms meaning 'Athenian maiden', a descriptor often historically applied to swallows and swifts.