Swallows are small passerine birds in the family Hirundinidae. There are around 90 different species of swallows found worldwide, with the exception of Antarctica. Swallows are characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide gape. Swallows build nests out of mud pellets in natural or artificial cavities and raise their young in a nest. The majority of swallow species undertake long distance annual migrations.
When it comes to the coloration of swallows, there is significant variation between the different species. However, the most widespread swallow species in North America and Europe is the barn swallow. The adult barn swallow has steel blue upperparts and a cinnamon or rufous colored breast. The throat and forehead are a rusty red color. The tail streamers are deeply forked and dramatically long. Male and female barn swallows have similar plumage, but juveniles are a duller brown above rather than the bright steel blue of the adults. So in summary, while barn swallows do have a rusty red colored throat and forehead, their breast is cinnamon or rufous, not red.
What colors do swallows display?
As mentioned, there is considerable variation in plumage and coloration between the different swallow species. Here is an overview of some of the common colors displayed by swallows:
- Steel blue – This color is seen on the upperparts and wings of barn swallows, tree swallows, and other species.
- Iridescent blue/green – Many swallows have glossy iridescent feathers in shades of blue or green on their heads, backs, or wings.
- Rufous/cinnamon – Rufous or cinnamon colored breasts and underparts are common in barn swallows and other species.
- White – White throats, bellies, and tail spots are seen in species like bank swallows and cave swallows.
- Rusty red – Barn swallows display a rusty red forehead and throat.
- Chestnut – Some species like the Bahama swallow have deep chestnut brown plumage on their head, throat, and upper breast.
- Black – Swallows may display black coloring on wings, tails, caps, and masks.
So in summary, red plumage on the chest specifically is not very common among swallows. Rufous, cinnamon, white, and black are more prevalent breast colors.
What species of swallows have red plumage?
There are a few swallow species that do display some red coloration, though not necessarily on the chest specifically:
- Red-rumped swallow – Native to Africa, this swallow has a pale red patch on the lower back and rump.
- Red-throated cliff swallow – Found in western Africa, it has a reddish tinge on the throat.
- Preuss’s cliff swallow – Occurs in Africa, with reddish-brown underparts and a chestnut colored throat patch.
- Red-breasted swallow – A South American species with a reddish-brown breast band.
- Galápagos martin – Resident on the Galápagos Islands, it has a reddish throat and breast.
However, the red plumage on these species is more reddish or chestnut hued on the throat, rump, or breast band. None have a distinctly red patch on the chest itself. The barn swallow and other common Northern Hemisphere species do not display red plumage on the chest or other areas.
What is the function of the rusty red plumage on barn swallows?
As mentioned earlier, barn swallows display a rusty red patch of feathers on the forehead and throat. This plumage may serve a few potential purposes:
- Species recognition – The distinctive red throat coloring helps barn swallows recognize others of their own species.
- Signaling health – The reddish hue may signal the health and fitness of an individual to potential mates.
- Camouflage – When feeding young in the nest, the rusty throat may help camouflage the adult against the muddy nest background.
- Attracting mates – Studies show the red throat is considered attractive by females of the species when selecting a mate.
The exact evolutionary benefits of the rusty red patch are still being investigated. But it likely plays an important role in communication, courtship, and breeding among barn swallows.
Do any other bird species have red plumage on the chest or breast?
While red chest plumage is rare in swallows, it is more common among some other bird groups:
- Northern cardinals – Male northern cardinals have vivid red plumage covering the face, throat, chest, and crest.
- Scarlet tanagers – These songbirds have striking bright red bodies with black wings.
- Vermilion flycatchers – Small passerines with bright red plumage on the belly and underparts.
- Painted buntings – The male painted bunting has a red head, breast, and underparts.
- Red-winged blackbirds – Male red-winged blackbirds have red and yellow shoulder patches called epaulets.
The red plumage in these species likely serves similar functions to the rusty red patches in barn swallows – mate attraction, signaling fitness, species identification, and territorial defense.
Conclusion
In summary, distinctly red plumage on the chest or breast is uncommon among swallows. Species like the barn swallow display rusty red coloring on the forehead and throat instead. A few African and South American swallows have reddish or chestnut hues on the throat, rump, or breast band. But none have a pronounced red patch on the chest specifically. While red chest feathers are rare in swallows, they are more prevalent in other songbird groups like cardinals, tanagers, and buntings. The red plumage seen in some bird species plays an important role in visual communication and breeding behaviors.