Streak-throated Swallow

The streak-throated swallow or the Indian cliff swallow (Petrochelidon fluvicola) is a passerine bird, which includes a large number of other species including many swallows. It is native of South Asia where it is a breeder, year-round resident or winter visitor in the countries of Afghanistan, India, Nepal and Pakistan. It occurs as a vagrant in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East. == Taxonomy == The streak-throated swallow was first identified by the English zoologist Edward Blyth in 1855. It is currently placed in the genus Petrochelidon, identified by the German ornithologist Jean Cabanis in 1850. A synonym is Hirundo fluvicola. It belongs to the family Hirundinidae, named by the French polymath Constantine Samuel Rafinesque in 1815. == Description == The streak-throated swallow is a sparrow-sized bird about 11 cm (4.3 in) in length. It has a dull chestnut forehead and crown. The underparts are whitish, the upper feathers are steel-blue. The rump is pale brown and the tail has a square end. The brown streaks on the throat and chest are distinctive and used to differentiate from other similar birds. On cold mornings, large flocks are seen closely-packed on electric wires to catch the early sun. Its…