Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata Scientific name definitions

A fairly large swallow of the Oriental region, occurring from northeast India to eastern Wallacea, the Striated Swallow (Cecropis striolata) is a common inhabitant of open areas, especially those near water. While northern populations are—at least partially—migratory, those further south are entirely sedentary. It often feeds with other hirundines, especially in the non-breeding season. Striated Swallow is a visually striking species, with a contrasting chestnut rump, and all subspecies have variably bold streaks on the underparts. Nonetheless, it is exceedingly similar to the streaked, migratory subspecies of Red-rumped Swallow (C. daurica), with which it may yet prove conspecific, and separating these two species in the nonbreeding season is a significant challenge. Two other species—Rufous-bellied Swallow (C. badia) and Sri Lanka Swallow (C. hyperythra)—that have been previously listed as subspecies of Striated Swallow, are here treated as separate species.