Andean Swallow

Andean swallow

The Andean Swallow ( Haplochelidon other cola ) is a species of bird in the family of swallows ( Hirundinidae ). The species is found in the South American countries, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru. The stock is by the IUCN as " not at risk " ( Least concern ) classified.

Features

The Andean Swallow reaches a body length of about 13.5 to 14 centimeters. The top is dull blue-black. At the rump is colored a bright matte brown. The throat and chest are ash brown and the remainder of the underside of a dirty white. The tail is relatively straight and not forked.

Distribution and habitat

The swallow occurs at altitudes 3500-4600 meters in the open habitat of the Andes. They can be found in a typical Puna grasslands and peatlands. However, it can also occur in towns and villages. In addition to an open area that can be observed in road cuts near water and on houses.

Behavior

Mostly, the swallow is in smaller groups go. Sometimes you can see it along with other swallows species, such as the Schwarzsteißschwalbe ( Notiochelidon cyanoleuca ). When foraging they often encountered near grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, llamas and even vicuña. Their nests they build in holes of rocks or road cuts and under eaves.

Subspecies

There are described two subspecies, which differ mainly in their coloring and their area of ​​distribution:

• Haplochelidon other cola cola others ( d' Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837) - nominate. Comes in the Andes of southern Peru, in the extreme north of Chile in the Región de Arica y Parinacota and Tarapacá in the central and southern Bolivia and northwestern Argentina in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy before.
• Haplochelidon other cola oroyæ ( Chapman, 1924) - Similar to nominate very much, but the top reflects bluish green with less. The shafts of the primaries are white and not brown. The beak is slightly longer and wider. Present in the central Peru in La Oroya district in the region Junín.