The Golden Swallow Project (Proyecto Golondrina Verde) : Hispaniolan & Jamaican Golden Swallows

Abstract

Aerial insectivore species in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean are almost completely absent from the scientific literature. The paucity of work being conducted on this guild makes broad-scale and comparative population assessments almost impossible. In fact, even basic natural history for many of the aerial insectivores is incomplete, and even more surprising, roosting and nesting localities for many common, resident species have yet to be found. Here we present a comprehensive look at both the natural history and breeding biology of a threatened aerial insectivore endemic to the island of Hispaniola, the Hispaniolan Golden Swallow (Tachycineta euchrysea sclateri), with intentions of laying down a foundation of knowledge that can be used to inform conservation efforts and help us better understand if and how the species may fit into the larger story of aerial insectivore decline.