Illustration of cliff swallow
cliff swallow
noun
: a colonial swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) of the New World with a pale buff rump and dark throat patch that builds mud nests resembling jugs especially under eaves and on cliffs
Examples of cliff swallow in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Look out for the fossils of giant clams and oysters or try to spot the ferruginous hawks and cliff swallows that call it home.
—
Joie Probst,
Midwest Living,
10 Apr. 2026
The cliff swallows fly from Argentina, one of the longest migrations of any species.
—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
Once nesting along mountain cliffs along the western North American coast, cliff swallows accepted human offerings of horizontal overhangs, such as bridges, including over concrete highways, near fields and ponds.
—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
9 June 2025
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Joie Probst,
Midwest Living,
10 Apr. 2026
The cliff swallows fly from Argentina, one of the longest migrations of any species.
—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
Once nesting along mountain cliffs along the western North American coast, cliff swallows accepted human offerings of horizontal overhangs, such as bridges, including over concrete highways, near fields and ponds.
—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cliff swallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff%20swallow. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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