Cliff Swallow vs Barn Swallow: Spot the Differences

How to Identify a Cliff Swallow vs a Barn Swallow

Courtesy Anna Smith

Cliff swallows and barn swallows are both beautiful birds that are commonly confused for each other. Both swallows build mud nests on buildings and bridges. Learn more about swallows’ nests and nesting habits. When perched, both birds show reddish brown throats and steel-blue backs. For more help with telling these similar species apart, use these helpful tips to separate a cliff swallow vs a barn swallow.

Learn about 8 types of swallows found in North America. Plus, learn about the significance of swallow sightings.

Tail Shape

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Their tail shape is what separates cliff swallows and barn swallows in flight. The barn swallow has a long forked tail with white spots, while the cliff swallow’s tail is short. 

Learn how to identify and attract a tree swallow, and look for violet-green swallows in the west.

Forehead

Bob Kothenbeutel

Another thing to look at is the foreheads on both birds. A cliff swallow’s forehead can be white or brown, but a barn swallow’s forehead is always reddish brown.

Here’s how to identify and attract a purple martin.

Plumage

Bob Kothenbeutel

Finally, check out the coloring. Look for the cliff swallow’s pale buff-colored lower back and rump, and pale collar across the back of the neck. The barn swallow’s back is solidly dark blue, from head to tail.

Next, learn how to tell the difference between a downy vs hairy woodpecker and a house finch vs purple finch.