Plume-toed Swiftlet vs Barn Swallow

In short

The Plume-toed Swiftlet and Barn Swallow can be distinguished primarily by their tail shape and plumage. The Barn Swallow has a distinctive long, deeply forked tail and glossy steel-blue upperparts, while the Plume-toed Swiftlet lacks these features, typically having a more uniform appearance. Observing tail shape and plumage glossiness are key to telling these species apart.

Identification tips

1. Look for the long, deeply forked tail of the Barn Swallow, which is absent in the Plume-toed Swiftlet. 2. Note the glossy steel-blue upperparts and rufous-chestnut forehead and throat of the Barn Swallow. 3. Plume-toed Swiftlets have a more uniform appearance without the contrasting colors of the Barn Swallow.

Plumage

Barn Swallows have glossy steel-blue upperparts and a rufous-chestnut forehead and throat, with creamy or buffy white underparts. In contrast, Plume-toed Swiftlets have a more uniform and less glossy appearance, lacking the distinct color contrasts of the Barn Swallow.