White-thighed Swallow

Overview

The white-thighed swallow (Atticora tibialis) is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae, the swallows and martins. It is a year-round resident found across much of South America and in Panama, assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Averages about 12 cm in length and weighs between 8.5 and 14 g, with sexes sharing the same plumage.
• Possesses a brownish black head and back with a slight green sheen, grey-brown cheeks and underparts, and distinctive white feather tufts on the lower legs.
• Features a slightly forked tail and generally dark brown irises, bills, and legs.
• Vocalisations include a thin, high-pitched "tsee-tit" and "chit-it, chee-dee-dit", with a constant, soft "zeet-zeet" call while foraging.

Habitat

This species primarily inhabits the edges and clearings of lowland evergreen forest in the tropical zone, ranging in elevation from sea level to approximately 1,200 m. It also occurs in open country with scattered trees and along rivers, showing a disjunct distribution across its range in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Diet

The white-thighed swallow feeds on insects captured on the wing, typically foraging in pairs or small flocks. Its known diet includes beetles, true bugs, and members of Hymenoptera.

Did you know?

Although the species is often seen near roads and farm clearings, suggesting it may benefit from human activities that increase edge habitat, its estimated population of at least 500,000 mature individuals is believed to be decreasing.