The white-thighed swallow is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae. It was formerly placed in the monotypic genus, Neochelidon.
Region
Amazon Basin and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland tropical South America, including much of the Amazon Basin and the Guianas, with records in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It favors river corridors, oxbow lakes, and forest edges, as well as clearings and second-growth near water. The species frequently patrols above open water and along forest margins and will perch on exposed snags over streams. It adapts to lightly disturbed areas and may occur near rural settlements close to waterways.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-thighed swallow is a small aerial insectivore noted for its conspicuous white feathering on the thighs, which contrasts with its dark glossy upperparts. It was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Neochelidon but is now treated within Atticora. It often forages over rivers and forest edges and may join mixed flocks of other swallows and swifts.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile with short rapid wingbeats and swift glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups or loose flocks, sometimes associating with other swallows and swifts over rivers. Breeds in small colonies or scattered pairs. Nests are placed in natural cavities such as holes in trees or eroded banks and occasionally in human-made structures; nest cups are lined with fine materials.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and twitters given in flight and from perches over water. Song is simple and irregular, used mainly for contact and during aerial chases.
Plumage
Glossy blue-black upperparts with clean white underparts; the thighs show distinctive white feathering that is conspicuous when perched. Tail is slightly forked and wings are long and pointed.
Diet
Feeds on flying insects such as flies, beetles, termites, and ants captured on the wing. It hawks above open water, along forest edges, and over clearings. Foraging flights are swift and maneuverable, often low over rivers but also at mid-level above canopy gaps.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages over rivers, streams, and oxbow lakes, and along the borders of lowland rainforest. Also hunts above pastures, second-growth, and village edges near water.
