I have been adopted by birds --

[alfreda89]

But I don't know what they are. The pair briefly roosting over my front door have moved to the porch. I'm not out there very much, and they have discovered an old wasp nest that they are taking apart and devouring. They aren't purplish, they have a dark back and wings, and a dark collar around the neck (at least one does) with a creamy breast, and orange-ish, rose-ish blush at the throat and around the face. Can't see the tops of their heads, they are way up high.

Interesting thing that makes me reject finch as a type -- when they flatten themselves to the stucco to eat the bugs, their tails fork into two short, needle points! But they are short tails compared to a swallowtail, and not solidly dark like swifts I've seen.

No sign of their nest yet, but I imagine they have built one. Can't find the box with bird books, and the internet site I looked at wasn't much help. I need an old outline page, I think.

Comments

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Sounds like swallows.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

I'm guessing they are really young ones, and maybe a Texas variant -- the black collar is very pronounced. Not very big yet. They acted differently a few minutes ago, so I'm wondering if there's a nest of fledged ones hanging out together. They chase a local bluejay occasionally.

First pics I find are by a photographer I know here in the area, CJ Mills' BIL!

http://www.greglasley.net/barnswallow.html

[sheilagh.livejournal.com]

post a picture? ;-)