17 Cm. This is a larger swallow at 17 cm and 3 cm could be added if the steamers are seen. Most obvious would be the Orange head side when compared to the Barn Swallow. The under part is white with dark streaks.Other than the differences in color the bird is very close to the Striated Swallow in profile and shape.

This species is quite a comon bird in southern Europe especially Portgal and Spain. They are residents. The bird breeds in Africa and found more in the region near the Arctic. Then in Middle East, Indian sub-continent, northern China, Korea and Japan. It so close in looks to the other 2 Swallows, so difficult to detect their presence if any. So could be considered as hardly seen - as they do not go around in obvious flock. Some birds from the European and Indian species do migrate south during the wintering months. that would be the time we get to see them in Malaysia

Again a bird of the open country in the lowland but as a bird from the cold, not surprising that it strays into the montane region

Red-rumped Swallow 1

Red-rumped Swallow. 2

Red-rumped Swallow's . 3

Red-rumped Swallow'. 4

Red-rumped Swallow 5

So far I have seen this bird in the rice field in Tanjong Karang. I have been on a constant look-out for the birds. With no clue of their migratory habits, if there are, so far little success in meeting for more pictures. This statement itself shows that the bird is not common.