Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)

Recently arrived from wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America, this is a common species in the far west often seen foraging on high flying insects. Their short tail gives them an erratic bat-like flight style. This is an adult male showing the metallic green back and violet rump which give this species its name. When seen overhead, they are all white underneath. They are easily confused with the similar Tree Swallow but are distinguished by the Violet-green's white flank patches, their white cheeks, and much shorter tail. This is the long-winged nominate race. A shorter-winged subspecies breeds in Mexico.