ML57560671

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

This entry represents an apparent hybrid Cliff Swallow x "Caribbean" Cave Swallow, which is not an eBird-allowed "taxon"/ hybrid combo at this point in time. **Edit 02/25/2018 - entry changed to the hybrid option since this has now been added to the eBird taxonomy** This striking bird repeatedly visited an apparent nest site amidst a large colony of "Caribbean" Cave Swallows underneath the on-ramp bridge (for turnpike south) at these coordinates: 25.474477, -80.445188. In overhead flight, this bird was instantly noticeable by its extremely dark throat when compared to the [broad spectrum of variation in] Cave Swallows around the colony. The combination of very rich rust-chestnut rump, very richly colorful undertail coverts and flank streaks, and the even, deep reddish orange of the face and throat (with a few creamy feathers mixed in) lacking dark central throat spotting seems to rule out melanogaster-type (dark forehead or "Southwestern-type") Cliff Swallow. The rich rump color, thick flank streaking, and rich undertail covert color seem to suggest that the Cave Swallow parent was one of the local breeding Caribbean birds (ssp. fulva).

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

640

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/2500 sec

Dimensions

1300 pixels x 867 pixels

Original file size

427.15 KB