Seven swallows occur in Monterey County. Migrants of all species pass through during spring and fall, and populations of all species remain to breed locally. As swallows are among the most aerial of birds, it seemed best to begin with photos of them in flight:

• Purple Martin Progne subis
• Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina and Tree Swallow T. bicolor
• Bank Swallow Riparia riparia and Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
• Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
• Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

The same species are shown below, in the same order, but perched or at nest sites. The status and distribution of these species are covered by Roberson (2002). All photos on this portal page were taken in Monterey County.

Although adults are well covered by standard field guides, there is a significant identification problem with brown swallows [i.e., Bank vs. young Tree vs. N. Rough-winged Swallow] that is worth exploring in depth [link at bottom to that page].