Barn Swallow vs Cape Sparrow

The Barn Swallow is easily distinguished from the Cape Sparrow by its long forked tail and glossy steel-blue upperparts, while the Cape Sparrow has a more robust body with a stout bill and lacks the swallow's elongated tail feathers. Both species are not closely related, making structural differences a key identification factor.

Look for the long forked tail and glossy steel-blue upperparts in Barn Swallow. The Cape Sparrow is more robust with a stout bill and lacks the swallow's elongated tail feathers.

Barn Swallow is medium-sized with a long, forked tail, whereas the Cape Sparrow is more robust with a stout bill.

Barn Swallow has glossy steel-blue upperparts and a rufous-chestnut throat, while the Cape Sparrow has a more muted coloration with no glossy features.