The brown-bellied swallow is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Found along the Andean cordilleras, most commonly in humid and subhumid montane zones. It frequents edges of cloud forest, scrubby slopes, agricultural valleys, and towns. Birds often patrol over rivers, pasture, and open clearings, taking advantage of rising air along slopes. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes where suitable cavities and open airspace are available.
Altitude Range
1500–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The brown-bellied swallow is a small Andean hirundine often seen coursing low over valleys and ridgelines. It frequently forages in mixed flocks with other swallows, especially Blue-and-white Swallows. Nesting typically occurs in small colonies, using cavities in earthen banks, road cuts, bridges, or building crevices. Its subdued brown underparts make it easy to separate from brighter blue-and-white congeners.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile with rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Often forms small flocks and mixes readily with other swallow species while feeding. Typically nests in small colonies, placing nests in cavities of earthen banks, cliffs, bridges, or building crevices. Pairs are presumed monogamous during the breeding season and both sexes participate in nest duties.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives a series of soft twittering chips and trills in flight, interspersed with buzzy notes. Vocalizations are continuous during group foraging and become more excited near nests.
Plumage
Upperparts dark steel-blue to dusky blue with a slight gloss; underparts plain brown to brownish-gray with a slightly paler throat. Tail shallowly forked and relatively short. Overall appearance is dusky and uniform below without bold white patches.
Diet
An aerial insectivore that captures small flying insects such as flies, midges, winged ants, and beetles. It forages on the wing, often low over slopes, fields, and watercourses. Birds adjust height with weather, flying higher on warm, calm days and lower in windy or cool conditions. Frequently feeds in loose mixed-species flocks to exploit insect swarms.
Preferred Environment
Open airspace near montane forest edges, agricultural valleys, and along streams and rivers. Common around towns and roads where open corridors and updrafts concentrate flying insects.
