Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Scientific name definitions

Pacific Swallow is a widespread resident swallow in coastal areas and islands of tropical south-east Asia and Melanesia. Ranges as far north as Nansei Islands, Japan. Has spread far inland and to high mountains following human settlements and man-made structures in which they have adapted to utilize as nest sites (1 Wells, D. R. (2007). The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Volume 2. Christopher Helm, London. Close ). Also widely referred to as House Swallow (2 Robson, C. (2011). From the field. BirdingASIA 16:117–119. Close ). In the past has been treated as conspecific with Hill Swallow (Hirundo domicola) and Welcome Swallow (H. neoxena) which share the characteristic rufous forehead, throat and upper-breast, as well as dark glossy upperparts. See Systematics.