Watercolor portrait of Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Breeds across most of North America Open areas near water and vertical surfa… Common Excited Colony Song

Learn to identify the Cliff Swallow by ear. Master the "vreet-vreet-vreet-vreet" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“vreet-vreet-vreet-vreet”

What the Cliff Swallow sounds like

The Cliff Swallow is a highly social, acrobatic songbird best known for the gourd-shaped mud nests it plasters beneath bridges, cliffs, and the eaves of buildings. Sleek and compact, it spends most of its life on the wing, chattering as it wheels through the air in pursuit of flying insects.

“vreet-vreet-vreet-vreet”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A rapid, harsh 'vreet' series given by many birds simultaneously at nesting colonies, creating a constant buzzing chorus. Often written as “vreet-vreet-vreet-vreet”.
Don't confuse with:The Barn Swallow — barn swallow has deeply forked tail with white spots.

Where you'll hear it

Open areas near water and vertical surfaces for nesting—river canyons, lakeshores, grasslands, agricultural fields, towns, and highway overpasses.

In North America from late March to October; migrates in vast flocks to South American wintering grounds for the austral summer.

Similar species

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow has deeply forked tail with white spots.

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow shines metallic blue-green above with clean white underparts.

Cave Swallow (SW USA)

Cave Swallow has pale throat and darker rump (reverse of Cliff).

Cliff Swallow song FAQ

What does a Cliff Swallow sound like?
A rapid, harsh 'vreet' series given by many birds simultaneously at nesting colonies, creating a constant buzzing chorus. Listen for the "vreet-vreet-vreet-vreet" phrase.
How do I tell a Cliff Swallow from a Barn Swallow by sound?
Barn Swallow: Barn Swallow has deeply forked tail with white spots.; Barn shows rich buff to orange underparts without pale rump.; Barn lacks square white forehead patch seen on many Cliff Swallows..
When is the best time to hear a Cliff Swallow?
In North America from late March to October; migrates in vast flocks to South American wintering grounds for the austral summer.