Pacific Swallows

Pacific Swallows are found everywhere, but usually near water and open country. In Singapore, they are particularly common along the coasts, and also found in mangroves. Earlier this year, a few pacific swallows rested outside my office window. Thus, I was able to take some close-up photos of them.

photo: Kent Ridge

Pacific Swallows eat insects, catching them during flight. To feast on swarming insects, they may join other birds like Swifts. But unlike Swifts that simply trawl the air with their mouths open, Swallows don't hunt on the wing. They perch and wait, then actually chase after individual prey and perform aerial acrobatics to catch them. Swallows also hunt at lower levels than Swifts.Unlike Swifts, Swallows can perch and also come to the ground to drink or gather nesting material.

This species is a small swallow at 13 cm. It has a blue back with browner wings and tail, a red face and throat, and dusky underparts. It differs from Barn Swallow in its shorter and less forked tail.
Adult: Upperparts metallic blue; forehead, throat, upper breast chestnut; lowerparts grey, never white.

Juvenile: Upperparts browner; less chestnut on throat and forehead.

text source: http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/birds/Hirundo_tahitica.htm