Andean Swallow

The Andean swallow (Orochelidon andecola) is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae, the swallows and martins. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. == Taxonomy and systematics == The Andean swallow was originally described as Hirundo andecola. It was later assigned by different authors to genera Petrochelidon, Stelgidopteryx, and Haplochelidon. Following a study published in 2005 it was moved to the resurrected genus Orochelidon that had been erected in 1903. The Andean swallow shares genus Oroichelidon with the pale-footed swallow (O. flavipes) and brown-bellied swallow (O. murina). It has two subspecies, the nominate O. a. andecola (D'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837) and O. a. oroyae (Chapman, 1924). == Description == The Andean swallow is 13.5 to 14 cm (5.3 to 5.5 in) long and weighs 14 to 19 g (0.49 to 0.67 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a mostly glossy greenish black head with black lores, gray ear coverts, and a gray-brown chin and throat. Their upperparts are mostly glossy greenish black with a brownish rump and uppertail coverts. Their tail is square or somewhat notched. Their breast and flanks are gray-brown and their belly and undertail coverts grayish…