Tahiti Swallow

Overview

The Tahiti swallow is a small passerine bird in the swallow family, native to French Polynesia. Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, it was formally described in 1789 and is monotypic with no recognised subspecies.

Identification

• Hirundo tahitica is a small swallow measuring approximately 13 cm in length.
• Plumage features a blue-black back and crown, brown wings and tail, a red face and throat, and dusky underparts.
• The tail is shorter and less forked than that of the barn swallow or welcome swallow.

Habitat

This species is found on the islands of Moorea and Tahiti in French Polynesia.

Diet

As an aerial insectivore, the bird feeds on insects, especially flies, while airborne. It is a fast flyer and shares similar foraging behaviour with other swallows and swifts.

Did you know?

The bird constructs neat, cup-shaped nests from mud pellets collected in its beak, often lining them with softer material and attaching them to man-made structures such as buildings, bridges, or tunnels.