Barn Swallow vs Common Bulbul

The Barn Swallow is easily distinguished from the Common Bulbul by its long forked tail and glossy steel-blue upperparts. In contrast, the Common Bulbul lacks these features and is generally more uniform in color with a less distinctive tail shape.

Look for the long forked tail and glossy steel-blue upperparts of the Barn Swallow. The Common Bulbul will not have these features and is more uniformly colored.

Barn Swallows have glossy steel-blue upperparts and a rufous-chestnut throat with a broad steel-blue breastband, while Common Bulbuls are more uniformly colored without the glossy sheen or distinct throat and breastband.