Skip to content

Ornithological Lesson - Cliff Swallow Traditional Cache

Hidden : 7/26/2014
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

This is part of a bird oriented series that concentrates on species that occur in the central part of the state at least for part of the year (primarily during nesting season).

Cliff Swallow nests


The Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) is a stocky swallow with a square tail. It is distinguished by a pale buffy rump and dark throat. Like all swallows, they feed exclusively on insects captured in flight. This species is a summer resident.

Cliff Swallows nest mostly on manmade structures such as under bridges. The nest is gourd-shaped mud cone with a narrow entrance. The nest in tightly packed clusters in large colonies. If a colony is destroyed they will probably be abandon the site. However, they will adapt to artificial nests and this can be used as an effective mitigation technique. Swallows normally need 40-43 days to lay eggs and raise young after nest construction.

Swallows nest under the bridge over the water but they nest of Cliff Swallows are more readily seen on the bridge nearby under the interstate.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)