Birds
Chilean Swallow
Tachycineta meyeni
Claiming an abandoned woodpecker hole rather than building a nest from scratch, a Chilean swallow migrates seasonally across southern South America, catching insects on the wing with fast, agile flight.
Overview
The Chilean swallow, Tachycineta meyeni, is a Least Concern bird native to grassland, wetland, and forest habitat across southern Chile and Argentina. Its reliance on existing tree cavities for nesting, its seasonal migratory pattern, and its fast, agile insect-catching flight make it one of the more ecologically efficient and widely encountered small birds found anywhere in the region.
A swallow that borrows rather than builds
Instead of constructing an elaborate nest, the Chilean swallow simply moves into a cavity already made by another bird, a shortcut that works well as long as suitable tree cavities remain available across its southern South American range.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable habitat throughout southern Chile and Argentina.
Chilean Swallow: common questions
Where does the Chilean swallow build its nest?
This species nests in tree cavities and abandoned woodpecker holes, a strategy that relies on the availability of suitable cavities within its habitat rather than building a nest from scratch.
Does the Chilean swallow migrate?
Yes, this species undertakes seasonal migration across southern South America, moving to warmer regions during the coldest winter months.
How does the Chilean swallow catch its food?
This species is a fast, agile flier, catching flying insects directly out of the air over open ground, water, and forest edges.
Is the Chilean swallow related to other swallow species in the Americas?
Yes, this species is closely related to other Tachycineta swallow species found across the Americas, sharing a similar overall body shape and foraging style.