The mangrove swallow is a passerine bird in the swallow family that breeds in coastal regions from Mexico through Central America to Panama. It has blue-green upperparts, blackish flight feathers, a white rump, a black tail, and white underparts. It can be identified by the supraloral white streak, the white line near its eye, which only occurs in two other species of Tachycineta: the violet-green swallow and the white-rumped swallow. The sexes, although similar in plumage, differ slightly in size. The juveniles have grey-brown upperparts and white-washed underparts. This swallow's song is generally described as a soft trilling, with a rolled jeerrt call, and a sharp alarm note.
Region
Southern Mexico and Central America
Typical Environment
Most common along coastal lowlands from southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. It is strongly associated with mangrove forests, estuaries, tidal rivers, and coastal lagoons. The species also occurs inland along slow-moving rivers and large lakes near the lowlands where suitable open water and perches are available. It avoids dense forest away from water and open country far from aquatic habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This sleek swallow is closely tied to water and mangrove habitats, often skimming low over lagoons and estuaries. Its crisp white rump and subtle white supraloral streak help separate it from other swallows in flight. It readily uses nest boxes and cavities in dead trees or human structures near water. By consuming swarms of small insects, it provides valuable natural pest control along tropical coasts.
Immature, Panama
Front view
Mangrove swallow perching next to the Sarapiqui River
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile low flier with short rapid wingbeats and quick turns
Social Behavior
Typically nests as solitary pairs or in small loose groups, defending the immediate nest area. Uses cavities in trees, pilings, or nest boxes and lines the nest with feathers and soft materials. Pairs are largely monogamous, and both adults feed the chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, rapid trilling delivered from a perch or in flight. Calls include a rolled jeerrt and sharp, buzzy alarm notes, especially near the nest.
