General Information
- Tiny bill
- Pale orange rump and forehead (dark in some
  southwestern birds)
- Blackish cap, throat and upperparts
- Side of neck brown
- Tip of tail squared
- Juveniles similar to adults but duller
- Most often seen flying
- Will nest communally in mud nests under bridges, in
  barns and caves, etc.

Similar species
The Cliff Swallow can be told from all swallows except the Cave Swallow by its pale rump. Cave Swallow has a darker forehead and a paler throat than the Cliff Swallow. When viewed from below, the Cliff Swallow can be told from other swallows by its squared tail and dark throat.