19 Cm. This is a large Swallow at 19 cm.  The upper part in dark color and orange brown on the head side. The bird has an uniform deep rufous-chestnut under part and under wings. The tail has a streamer at times.

The bird is resident in North-west India. Small area in North-east Bangladesh, and south-west China then Taiwan, Sundas and the Philippines.

In Malaysia this is a rare to common bird seen in the wilderness only.

The habitats for the bird is rather specific. Usually in hilly areas only and with vast open areas opposite the cliffs, more often rocky cliffs. In the couple of places I know these cliff walls overlooking a deep valley as well.

Rufous-bellied Swallow 1

Rufous-bellied Swallow. 2

Rufous-bellied Swallow. 3

Rufous-bellied Swallow. 4

Rufous-bellied Swallow. 5

Rufous-bellied Swallow 6

Rufous-bellied Swallow. 7

Rufous-bellied Swallow'. 8

Rufous-bellied Swallowo. 9

Rufous-bellied Swallow 10

Rufous-bellied Swallow. 11

Rufous-bellied Swallow. 12

Common on the road to Frasers hills near Perdik Dam, road to Bukit TInggi and the end of the Old Gombak Road at Genting Sempah. All these places with noticeably cliffs