Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica)

OTHER NAMES: N/A

Latin Etymology: Hirundo ("swallow") tahitica ("of Tahiti")

Two adult Pacific Swallows (subspecies H. t. javanica) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - July, 2016

Featured Subspecies: Tirundo tahitica javanica
Weight: 11-15g  /  Length: 14cm  /  Wingspan: 30-35cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Pacific Swallow is a fairly typical red-throated swallow in many ways - similar to the globally distributed Barn Swallow on first inspection.  However, on closer examination, a few defining features begin to stand out - the lack of a dark chest band between red and white, duskier underparts and a shorter tail.  It is however also a little different behaviorally from the Barn Swallow, being principally a coastal species, being resident and it's range being restricted to the tropics.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
Genus: Hirundo
SUBSPECIES: H. t. javanica, H. t. namiyei, H. t. frontalis, H. t. ambiens, H. t. subfusca, H. t. tahitica 

 - Sighting Locations -

MALAYSIA - Malay - Layang-layang Pasifik ("Pacific Kite")
Common resident.

 - MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE 2016 TRIP: Common in Kuala Lumpur 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto