Scientific name: Delichon urbica (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Swallows
Field characters. 12.5 cm. Easy to identify by black-and-white plumage and large white rump patch. Upperparts glossy black, underparts completely white, as is white rump. Usually seen in flocks, but singles occur on migration. Flies often higher than Barn Swallow.
Voice. Dry chuttering 'prit'. Song chattering without much musical quality.
Distribution. Common summer visitor. Locally declining.
Habitat. Builds nest under roof edges, bridges etc., sometimes in rock crevices. Sometimes found in huge colonies in villages.
Food. Airborne invertebrates.