Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) [XC460881]
by Daniel Parker from Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata, United States (call, flight call)
Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) [XC318206]
by Brian Henderson from Bolivia, Ciego de \u00c1vila, Cuba (call, flight call)
Subspecies
Genus often merged with Hirundo, but DNA studies support retention of separate taxa. Forms a superspecies with Chestnut-collared Swallow (Petrochelidon rufocollaris) and often considered conspecific, but recent cytochrome b evidence supports treatment as separate species. Subspecies pallida recently proposed to represent a distinct species; cytochrome b data further suggest, however, that present species consists of two clades, one in western (southern USA south to southern Mexico) and other in eastern (Florida and Greater Antilles). Additional study required. Several hybrids with Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) recorded. If genus merged into Hirundo, subspecies pallida must be named pelodoma, as "Hirundo pallida" preoccupied.
The following 6 subspecies are recognised:
pallida Nelson, 1902 - Breeds southern USA (southern New Mexico and Texas) south to north-central Mexico (south to southern Chihuahua, eastern Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí and western Tamaulipas); some migrate to Central America.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet