White-winged Swallow (Tachycineta albiventer)

White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer

White-winged Swallow, Caxiuanã, Pará, Brazil, November 2005 - click for a larger image

Brazil, Peru and Ecuador

The White-winged Swallow is fairly common in Amazonia where it is found close to large rivers and lakes. Beyond Amazonia it is found from Panama to northern Argentina except to the west of the Andes. See the distribution map at xeno-canto.

It is the only South American swallow with white patches on the wings.

White-winged Swallow, Thaimaçu, Pará, Brazil, April 2003 - click for a larger image

It is glossy blue green above and, when not breeding, it can look a lot greener. The underparts and rump are brilliant white.

It perches on branches above water and catches insects flying fairly low and close to the surface of the water.

Note the apparent change in colour from a sunny day in photo 1 to a dull day in photo 3.

The bird in photo 3 was recorded by Jeremy Minns.

White-winged Swallow, River Javarí, Peru, September 2003 - click for a larger image

White-winged Swallow, San Martin, Peru, October 2018 - click for a larger image

White-winged Swallow, Sani Lodge, Sucumbios, Ecuador, November 2019 - click for a larger image

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