BirdUp · Species
White-backed Swallow
Cheramoeca leucosterna(Gould, 1841)
Updated
- Order
- PASSERIFORMES
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Genus
- Cheramoeca
At a glance
The White-backed Swallow is a small bird, about 13–15 cm long, native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 13–15 cm
- Origin
- Native
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Very common
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does a White-backed Swallow look like?
The White-backed Swallow is a small bird, about 13–15 cm long and weighing 11–17 g.
The white-backed swallow is a member of the swallow family Hirundinidae and is endemic to Australia. It is the only species placed in the genus Cheramoeca. As with all swallows, it is characterised by adaptation to aerial feeding. It can be identified by its white back, surrounded by black wings and tail. It has a wide distribution, from the southern part of the Australian continent, up to the Tropic of Capricorn. The white-backed swallow prefers grasslands and will create a burrow nest.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
03 · When
When to look
When can you see a White-backed Swallow?
The White-backed Swallow is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does a White-backed Swallow eat?
The White-backed Swallow feeds on terrestrial invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or flocks or alone.
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
6 photos
The BirdUp app
Log your next White-backed Swallow in the field
A pocket field journal for 850+ Australian birds. Offline-first, smart ID, and a lifelist that travels with you.