Black-collared Swallow

Pygochelidon melanoleuca (Wied-Neuwied, M, 1820)

Black-collared Swallow, Pygochelidon melanoleuca, is a bird of riverine South America, breeding from eastern Colombia through Venezuela, the Guianas and northern Brazil, across Amazonia and into north-east Argentina. It belongs to the swallow family, Hirundinidae. It is closely tied to belts along rivers, especially blackwater systems, and is most often found near rapids and waterfalls. The species is a year-round resident in much of its range, though some seasonal movement occurs in Venezuela. It nests in holes or crevices in rock faces or earthen banks, using dry grass and feathers, and clutches of three eggs have been recorded.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Hirundinidae — Swallows, Martins

Breeding range

South America: e Colombia through c Venezuela, the Guianas and n Brazil, se Amazonia and ne Argentina