Are these Mud Swallows?

[CearaQC]

I couldn't take a pic with my regular digi cam, and had to use the video cam on photo function just so I could zoom in. It was really windy and this was the best pic I got.

This nest appeared at the top of the house near the roof. These two poke out to watch humans and doggies run around.

Are they Mud Swallows? Are they the parents or the chicks?

[lia12]

I hve two of those nests in my barn but had no clue what kind of birds made them....Never heard of mud swallows but maybe mine are also since the nests seem identical.

[hazelrunpack]

I think they're cliff swallows, Ceara (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). As to the age of the birds...the way they're sitting in the nest and because it looks like there's still some dark down on the throat, I'd say youngsters, almost ready to fledge Alternatively, though, it could be adults with muddy chins.

[CearaQC]

We have regular swallows too, but they nest in the wood birdhouses.

These little ones near the roof are really neat. I never saw them making the nest. Just one day out of the blue I looked up and said what's that?

Amazing little builders. I think we'll leave that nest there. Maybe they will come back next year. First time anyone has seen them around.

Thank you Hazel! I'm going to go look them up in the bird book now to learn more.

[Bina]

Yes, they are cliff swallows. Very nice pic.

[Helene4]

Around here we call them barn swallows (French translation). They are getting ready to follow their parents very soon!

[Bina]

my barn swallows are a bit different in colouring.....Hirondelles

[Bina]

I think that the cliff swallow is
Hirondelle à front blanc
(white fronted swallow)

[hazelrunpack]

Barn swallows are a different variety with irridescent blue backs, orange underneath and longer scissor tails. They're very pretty, too!

[lia12]

Swallows anyway, maybe mine are barn swallows since that's where they're nesting. Awful cute whatever kind they are and the pictures are pretty neat.

[CearaQC]

Update: I suspect those were the parents because the nest has been enlarged. If those were babies about to leave I don't see them building more. I'll try to get a pic.

[14+kitties]

Cute birdies!! Have they fledged yet? See hazel, you are teaching me all kinds of new words.
We have barn swallows here. Last week there were five babies that left their nest in our garage. Good thing the nest was up high with all the kitties around!! They are now flitting around with their parents. It's amazing to see them all flying and swooping down on poor Stormy when she's going from one spot to another. Even when she's lying on "her" bench they will swoop on her.