Welcome Swallow vs Silvereye
Hirundo neoxena versus Zosterops lateralis
Play a quiz with Welcome Swallow and Silvereye
Welcome Swallow
Silvereye
In short
The Welcome Swallow and Silvereye are easily distinguished by their size and plumage. The Welcome Swallow is a small, streamlined bird with a deeply forked tail and glossy blue-black upperparts, while the Silvereye is a smaller, rounder bird with a distinctive white eye-ring and olive-green upperparts.
Identification tips
1. Tail Shape: Look for the deeply forked tail of the Welcome Swallow, absent in the Silvereye. 2. Eye-ring: Note the Silvereye's distinctive white eye-ring, which is not present in the Welcome Swallow. 3. Flight Behavior: Observe the flight pattern; Welcome Swallows are often seen swooping and gliding, while Silvereyes are more likely to be seen flitting through foliage. 4. Habitat: Consider the habitat; open areas suggest Welcome Swallow, while wooded or garden areas suggest Silvereye.
Size
The Welcome Swallow is larger and more slender than the Silvereye, with a more elongated body and longer wings.
Plumage
The Welcome Swallow has glossy blue-black upperparts and a rufous forehead and throat, contrasting with its pale underparts. The Silvereye is characterized by its olive-green upperparts, grey underparts, and a conspicuous white eye-ring.
Behaviour
Welcome Swallows are often seen in flight, catching insects on the wing with agile maneuvers. Silvereyes are more likely to be observed foraging in foliage or hopping on the ground.
Habitat
Welcome Swallows are commonly found in open areas near water, such as rivers and lakes, while Silvereyes prefer wooded areas, gardens, and shrublands.
Voice
Welcome Swallows produce a series of twittering notes, while Silvereyes have a more varied repertoire, including high-pitched whistles and chirps.