The West Indies race of Cave Swallow is a very richly colored bird compared to the Mexican race. The Mexican race looks like a washed out West Indies race Cave Swallow. Another good field mark is the size difference between the two races; the Mexican race as David Sibley shows in is guide is 20% larger than the West Indies race. This field mark is useful if you are used to seeing the West Indies race, as I am lucky to be able to do. I see the West Indies race over my yard just about all year long so I am used to seeing them. I was surprised by how much bigger the Mexican race looks if you have good close looks at them.
Here are the photos below; I know that Vince Lucas has been waiting to see these for some time.
It helps if I hit the right button at the right time!!!
Mexican race of Cave Swallow photo taken in Flamingo of Everglades Nationa Park.
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West Indies race of Cave Swallow photo taken in Cutler Ridge.
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Larry Manfredi
Homestead, FL.
E-mail: birderlm@bellsouth.net
http://www.southfloridabirding.com