Mangrove Swallow vs Siberian House Martin
Tachycineta albilinea versus Delichon lagopodum
Play a quiz with Mangrove Swallow and Siberian House Martin
Mangrove Swallow
Siberian House Martin
In short
The most reliable field mark to distinguish the Mangrove Swallow from the Siberian House Martin is the white supraloral streak present in the Mangrove Swallow. Both species have white underparts, but the Mangrove Swallow features a green-blue gloss that can wear to steel-blue, while the Siberian House Martin lacks this gloss.
Identification tips
Look for the white supraloral streak on the Mangrove Swallow. Note the glossy plumage in the Mangrove Swallow, which may appear steel-blue with wear, unlike the Siberian House Martin.
Plumage
Mangrove Swallow has nearly black plumage with a green-blue gloss that can wear to steel-blue, and a distinctive white supraloral streak. The Siberian House Martin lacks the green-blue gloss and does not have a white supraloral streak.