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| Photo by Leif Gabrielsen (iGoTerra) |
Common name:
brown-bellied swallow (en); andorinha-de-barriga-castanha (pt); hirondelle à ventre brun (fr); golondrina ventriparda (es); mausschwalbe (de)
Taxonomy:
Order Passeriformes
Family Hirundinidae
Range:
This species is found along the Andes from western Venezuela south to central Bolivia.
Size:
These birds are 14 cm long and weigh about 12,5 g.
Habitat:
The brown-bellied swallow is mostly found in open mountain habitats, particularly high-altitude grasslands, but also scrublands, elfin forest, Polylepis woodland, arable land and urban areas. They occur at altitudes of 1.800-4.100 m.
Diet:
They catch various flying insects on the wing, usually foraging alone, in pairs or in small groups.
Breeding:
Brown-bellied swallows breed mainly in June-October. The nest is simple mound of dry grass and moss placed in a cave, crevice in a cliff or hole in a building. the female lays 2-3 white eggs. there is no information regarding the incubation and fledging periods.
Conservation:
IUCN status – LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is described as common to fairly common. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
