Field Marks: 5.5 in. A widespread but local swallow of open country. Less elongated than most swallows, with a squarish tail. Favors bridges, dams, cliffs, farms and outbuildings, where it plasters its unique, gourdlike mud nests in small colonies. Glides, soars, and circles more than other swallows. Adults have conspicuous buff rump; forehead ranges from light buff to chestnut; throat chestnut; underparts pale; upperparts dark brown with some bluish-black on back. Call note a somewhat grating "chwew" or "churr." Song a series of harsh notes or squeaks.
Range: Breeds from central Alaska across Canada to Nova Scotia and south throughout central and ne. United States to Mexico and Texas; absent from Gulf region and southeastern states. Winters in South America.