English and Scientific names:	Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva
Number of individuals:	1
Locality: LOUISIANA:	Cameron
Specific Locality:	E. Jetty Road
Date(s) when observed:	4/27/2008
Time(s) of day when observed:	8:00 a.m.
Reporting observer and address:	Paul Conover Lafayette, LA
Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):
Other observers who independently identified the bird(s):
Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):	Foggy morning, with sunlight suffused throughout.
Optical equipment:	Zeiss 10s.
Distance to bird(s):	As close as 10 feet.
Duration of observation:	ca. 10 minutes
Habitat:	Perched on a hurricane fence along the road with hundreds of Tree Swallows.
Behavior of bird:	Perched and preening, unconcerned with my vehicle. I pulled alongside it, then backed up and approached even closer.
Description:	Blue-backed Swallow with short tail. Forecrown light chestnut, hindcrown dark blue. Lores dark, extending rearward as dark eyeline through dark eye to join dark hind-crown. Chin and throat buff, with buff extending rearward along lower edge of dark eyeline, then around nape to set off dark areas as a cap. Lower edge of buff throat well-demarcated horizontally giving the bird a hooded appearance. Breast and flanks medium grayish, somewhat mottled with lighter gray. Belly whitish. Undertail whitish, lightly washed buff, with dusky feather centers.
Voice:	Not heard.
Similar species:	Cliff Swallow easily separated by throat color. Barn Swallow solid blue on back, including nape.
Photographs or tape recordings obtained?	Yes, close-up photos.
Previous experience with this species:	Extensive, with experience growing greater by the year as this species becomes more common in LA.
Identification aids:
This description is written from:	Memory and photography.
Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain:	Yes.
Reporter:	Paul Conover
Date and time:	June 2008