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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Cecropis daurica
Red-rumped swallow (juvenile). Greek: μιλτοχελίδονο (ανήλικο). Gadouras River, July 2022.
Breeding migrant, fairly common in small numbers of pairs, widely distributed. April to September. Length 16-18 cm, wingspan 32-34 cm. Sexes similar. Open hilly country. Agile aerial insect hunter with fast gliding leading to swoops on prey. Collects mud to build quarter-sphere nest with tunnel entrance in caves, under stone bridges. Breeds in small groups, usually two broods per season. Harsh and fast twittering song.
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