canberrabirds

Swallow

To: Philip Veerman <>
Subject: Swallow
From: Julian Teh <>
Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 08:39:19 +0000
I’m pretty sure that’s just the darker feathers beneath the outer plumage, as ruffled by the wind.

Barn swallows when seen in the flesh are very distinct from Welcome Swallows (and this sadly is definitely not one, it’s definitely Welcome). Some races look somewhat similar at a glance, but others are completely different. Pacific Swallows, on the other hand…

Julian


On 9 Apr 2017, at 6:28 pm, Philip Veerman <> wrote:

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.
 
More pics on my FlickR
 
 
Shorty

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