Brown-bellied swallow

Notiochelidon murina

Photo by Leif Gabrielsen (iGoTerra)

Common name:
brown-bellied swallow (en); andorinha-de-barriga-castanha (pt); hirondelle à ventre brun (fr); golondrina ventriparda (es); mausschwalbe (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Passeriformes
Family Hirundinidae

Range:
This species is found along the Andes from western Venezuela south to central Bolivia.

Size:
These birds are 14 cm long and weigh about 12,5 g.

Habitat:
The brown-bellied swallow is mostly found in open mountain habitats, particularly high-altitude grasslands, but also scrublands, elfin forest, Polylepis woodland, arable land and urban areas. They occur at altitudes of 1.800-4.100 m.

Diet:
They catch various flying insects on the wing, usually foraging alone, in pairs or in small groups.

Breeding:
Brown-bellied swallows breed mainly in June-October. The nest is simple mound of dry grass and moss placed in a cave, crevice in a cliff or hole in a building. the female lays 2-3 white eggs. there is no information regarding the incubation and fledging periods.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is described as common to fairly common. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.