Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range and the population size is extremely large, hence does not approach threatened thresholds for the range or population size criteria. The population trend appears to be increasing, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion. For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
In Europe, the total population size is estimated at 2,860,000-6,680,000 mature individuals, with 1,430,000-3,340,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife International 2021), and comprises approximately 5% of the species' global range, so a very preliminary estimate of the global population size is between 57,200,000-134,000,000 mature individuals, although further validation of this estimate is desirable. In Europe, the species' population is considered to have undergone a suspected increase over three generations (10 years) (BirdLife International 2021). Based on these data, and evidence of range expansion elsewhere (Turner and Kirwan 2020), the global population size is considered likely to be increasing over three generations.
Trend justification
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This species is found in open hilly country and mountains, river gorges, valleys, sea cliffs, as well as in cultivated areas and human habitations, including towns. In Europe, breeding occurs from April-September and is usually solitary although sometimes in loose groups. The nest is built by both sexes and is enclosed with a tunnel entrance. It is made of mud pellets sometimes mixed with a little dry grass and lined with a mixture of white feathers, hair, plant down, leaves, pine (Pinus) needles or dry grass. Clutch size varies regionally but is normally four or five in Europe (Turner 2004). The species feeds on insects, taking airborne prey in aerial pursuit (Snow and Perrins 1998). The species is migratory in northern parts of the range and mostly resident in the south (Turner 2004). European populations are thought to winter in the savanna zone of the northern Afrotropics (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
The species may be threatened by competition with other birds which use its nests (Martí and del Moral 2004).
Conservation Actions Underway
Bern Convention Appendix II. There are currently no known conservation measures for this species within Europe.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Population sizes within Europe are poorly known (Turner 2004), so monitoring programmes should be implemented across its range to more accurately determine its status. Research should focus on potential threats to this species.
Text account compilers
Martin, R., Rutherford, C.A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-rumped-swallow-cecropis-daurica on 25/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 25/12/2024.