Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica)

Let’s take a quick break from my travels. I miss posting about Birds of Cebu. This particular bird of Cebu is the Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica). The Pacific Swallow is a beautiful bird common around the Philippines and can be seen gliding around the skies or even just resting on an electric wire.

The Pacific Swallow is a small bird about 6 inches tall. Like the other swallows it spends most of its life in the air so shooting this bird with my 90-300mm non IS f/4.5-6.6 was really difficult until it decided to rest on one of the wires.

Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica) picture

The Pacific Swallow is often mistaken for the Striated Swallow which has similar features with the Pacific Swallow. They are differentiated by the prominent red mark on the crown and nape of the Pacific Swallow. The striated swallow also has more prominent striations on the breast.

Remember when shooting these birds it is recommended to use a tripod. Less movement is required as they are quick to fly away when threatened. Recommended shooting time is around 4pm because the birds are resting on the wires during these times. They are commonly seen in fruit bearing trees especially Mango (Mangifera indica) trees.