Fun Streak-throated Swallow Facts For Kids

The streak-throated swallow is a dainty little brown bird often called the Indian cliff swallow. They are native to India and can be found in a broad distribution across South Asia. Populations are increasing, and they are not considered an endangered species within birds of the world. These birds form part of the order Passeriformes and have a pleasant song. They communicate for a variety of needs.

Like many other swallows, they are graceful and gregarious birds and attract many avid birdwatchers. They often form flocks and build intricate nests that can take weeks to build, and this is where theu nurture their young. Keep reading to discover what makes streak-throated swallows unique, and more facts about these fascinating birds about their distribution, habitat, navigation skills, and more.

What's more, if you are interested in other birds of the world, take a look at our fascinating facts about the common nighthawk and the eastern kingbird. 
 

What type of animal is a streak-throated swallow?

The streak-throated swallow is a bird from the Hirundinidae family that was previously known by the scientific name Hirundo fluvicola. It is a part of the order Passeriformes.

What class of animal does a streak-throated swallow belong to?

Streak-throated swallows belong to the Aves category of the animal kingdom of the world. They form part of the Petrochelidon genus. This genus includes varieties of the cliff swallow such as the cave swallow and the red-throated swallow which can be found in different locations around the world.

How many streak-throated swallows are there in the world?

According to current BirdLife International data, the exact number of streak-throated swallow (Petrochelidon fluvicola) birds of the world has not been documented. However current populations are increasing, and the streak-throated swallow does not meet the threshold to be considered a vulnerable species. They do not migrate around the world and are considered a year-round permanent resident of the regions of the world they inhabit.

Where does a streak-throated swallow live?

The streak-throated swallow (Petrochelidon fluvicola) is native to the Indian countryside. However, they can be found across South Asia, in the countries of Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan. This is what makes them unique when compared to other swallows who can be found across the world.

What is a streak-throated swallow's habitat?

Streak-throated swallows (Petrochelidon fluvicola) can be found in a range of locations. These birds of the world enjoy an open countryside habitat, as well as towns and cities. However, habitats that are close to open waters, marshes, and canals are preferred as these birds love to eat a menu of mostly insects.

Who do streak-throated swallows live with?

The streak-throated swallow (Petrochelidon fluvicola) lives in a flock, often alongside other cliff swallow species. This bird species can also be found individually or in pairs.

How long does a streak-throated swallow live?

Current data shows the streak-throated swallow (Petrochelidon fluvicola) can live up to approximately three years. This is the average life expectancy for most of the Hirundinidae family of birds, including many other swallows found around the world.

How do they reproduce?

Streak-throated swallows (Petrochelidon fluvicola) reproduce through copulation. The male bird will court the female bird and, if they are a suitable match, they will mate. Streak-throated swallows only make use of their nests to rear their offspring. Both males and females work together to build a nest made of clay, mud, leaves, and debris. The nest is usually ready to live in after two weeks. They like to build nests in barns, underneath bridges, and in a range of open-fronted buildings. After the eggs have hatched the mother bird spends time with them, teaching them great navigation skills, how to fly and how to catch insects mid-flight.

What is their conservation status?

The streak-throated swallow is listed under Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

What does a streak-throated swallow look like?

This species ranges from a light brown to a chestnut brown color with blackish-brown wings. Juveniles are a darker brown in color than adult birds. Once they are fully grown, they have a shiny blue back with a few cream streaks and a tail with a square end.

How cute are they?

The streak-throated swallow comes in a range of light to dark brown colors with a blue back. They can definitely be considered cute birds, especially when they are learning how to fly and perfecting their navigation skills!

How do they communicate?

The streak-throated swallow uses a variety of calls to communicate to its offspring and warn off predators. They have a pleasant-sounding song and create specific calls during the breeding season. This species also calls out to express excitement.

How big is a streak-throated swallow?

The size of this bird is 4.2-4.7 in (11–12 cm). At this size, a streak-throated swallow is slightly smaller than the common swift.

How fast can a streak-throated swallow fly?

The streak-throated swallow is a fast bird species, however, their exact speed is not known. We do know the speed of an average European swallow is roughly 24 mph (39 kph).

How much does a streak-throated swallow weigh?

The streak-throated swallow weighs between the range of 0.35-2.1 oz (10-60g). They are not a heavy bird species.

What are their male and female names of the species?

Streak-throated swallows do not have a particular name for males and females of the species.

What would you call a baby streak-throated swallow?

Like most birds of the world, a baby streak-throated swallow is known as a hatchling.  Once they gain feathers and begin flight, they are known as fledglings. Later, and before they reach adulthood they are called juvenile birds. During this teenage period, they often spend time congregating in groups with other streak-throated swallows. These groups are known as creches. This swallow species is part of the order Passeriformes.

What do they eat?

The core diet of a streak-throated swallow is made up of flies! These birds of the world enjoy eating a range of flying insects as part of their day-to-day menu!

Are they poisonous?

As with most birds of the world, the streak-throated swallow is not a poisonous bird. They are harmless and not aggressive, nor are they a threat to humans.

Would they make a good pet?

This species is a wild bird that is native to India. It is not advised to keep these birds as pets. None of the world's species within the Hirundinidae family are intended to be pet birds.

Did you know...

You may have seen the streak-throated swallow listed as Blyth 1855 and wonder what it means. The term Blyth 1855 refers to the historian who first documented this bird species, and the year it was first identified, which was (you guessed it!) 1855.

These birds form part of the Petrochelidon genus of Hirundinidae birds and share many characteristics with other forms of cliff swallow that can be found around the world. In French, a swallow is known as a 'hirondelle', and this word is often adopted from French to many other languages around the world to address a swallow.

Why are streak-throated swallows also called Indian cliff swallows?

A streak-throated swallow is also called an Indian cliff swallow. This is because they are native to India, and form part of the cliff swallow family. Out of the entire world, the majority of their distribution is in India. Historically they used to nest in cliffs, though nowadays, they are more frequently found around lakes and near towns. These swallows fall within the order Passeriformes.

Are streak-throated swallows endangered?

Streak-throated swallows are not an endangered species. There's a wide distribution of these birds across South Asia, although they are not ever seen in other parts of the world. Overall, the barn swallow is the most commonly found swallow species.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our toco toucan facts and ovenbird facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable streak-throated swallow coloring pages.