Golden Swallow

Overview

The golden swallow is a small, vulnerable swallow endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, where it is restricted to isolated montane forests. It was formerly native to Jamaica, where the nominate subspecies is now considered extinct due to predation by introduced mammals and possibly habitat loss.

Identification

• Measures approximately 12 cm in length, with T. e. sclateri having a more deeply forked tail than the extinct nominate subspecies.
• Plumage features iridescent bronze upperparts, coppery-bronze backs, and white underparts, with T. e. sclateri displaying blue-green foreheads and blue-black wings.
• Legs, feet, and irises are dark brown, while the bill is black.
• Produces a soft, two-note call described as a repeated 'tchee-weet'.

Habitat

Restricted to patches of montane forest that consist primarily of Hispaniolan pine, found in the interior of the island at elevations of at least 800 m. The bird prefers open country and is occasionally seen over towns or in recently burned stands, but forages in all habitats except dense forest.

Diet

An aerial insectivore that feeds on flies, Hemiptera, and other insects, foraging at heights usually under 20 m. It hunts alone or in small groups, primarily from dawn until the afternoon, and is often found near black swifts.

Did you know?

The nominate subspecies in Jamaica was adapted to nest in man-made structures and was not adversely affected by human disturbance, despite being unknown to early settlers and later vanishing likely due to predation by introduced mammals.