A swallow with a pale, light red rump that can look white at a distance but is clearly not a House Martin (Delichon urbicum). Other features are the pale throat, pale ring around the nape and black undertail coverts which contrast with the pale belly. This 'hirundine' appears more leisurely in flight and glides more frequently than other species of the group, as it catches insects in the air.  Bearing a superficial resemblance to Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) but C. daurica has tail streamers that are shorter, slightly thicker and often closed in flight.

Open country and towns but also locally common in areas with mountains and cliffs.

Nests in caves, on cliffs, under bridges etc.

Less than 10 records a year

Very rare vagrant form southern Europe or Asia. Previous records of single birds in 2003 and 2004 were both at Swithland Reservoir