Cliff Swallow

Seen one? Add it to your free UK BirdedexHear its song and see the mapFree, no app download. Legendary bird: +50 points when you log it.

Habitat and behaviour

Habitat: Open country (extreme vagrant).
Diet: Aerial insects.
Best time to spot: Pale rump.

When to look

A rare visitor, not a resident. There is no dependable season, though most rarities are found during spring and autumn migration. More on the season in Rare birds in the UK.

How rare is it?

The Cliff Swallow sits in our Legendary tier for the UK: a major rarity, where any record is big news. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Purple MartinLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)
• American KestrelLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)
• Amur FalconLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)
• Blue-cheeked Bee-eaterLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)
• Eastern KingbirdLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)
• Sooty FalconLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)

Kit that helps

Best binoculars for UK birding. Affiliate links, our own picks, no extra cost to you.