Yes I had also thought that from Geoffrey’s picture : “A welcome perch” 5 April (the bird second from top right). I would not think any need to invoke the idea
of being young birds. I have often wondered whatever is the basis for classifying
Welcome Swallows
and Barn Swallows as different species. There is a difference of a black neck band and whiter belly, a very trivial difference. (Anything else?).
This one doesn’t have a white belly. That an occasional WS might show a bit of characteristic of the BS is curious but surely they are so closely related a
bit of black extension is not so drastic. ......
Philip
From: shorty [
Sent: Sunday, 9 April, 2017 3:59 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Swallow
G'day all,
I was down at the wetlands this afternoon photographing Welcome Swallows and came across 2 birds that had the start of a black band around their neck. Looking through my guide, even though we are well out of range, i started thinking maybe
they are young Barn Swallows. I am sure i will be wrong but thought i would check with you more experienced birders to enlighten me.
