Red-rumped Swallow is an annual vagrant in spring and autumn
to Britain, most frequently on the south and east coasts.
They are widespread in Iberia, Greece and much of Turkey but
restricted elsewhere. There are up to 132,000 breeding pairs
found in Spain, Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey with a few small
scattered populations in Italy. The word Swallow originates
from the Old English word 'swalewe' or 'swealwe' meaning 'to
devour'.
There have been four Red-rumped Swallows reported from S.
Gloucestershire;
2012: (1)
An unconfirmed report of one apparently seen and
photographed at Alveston on May 2nd.
2008: (1)
One was reported on overhead wires at Rangeworthy on May
22nd at 10:15.
1988: (1)
On April 22nd an individual was watched at New Passage. (N
Lacy)
1977: (1)
One was identified near Severn Beach possibly New Passage on
September 16th. This occurrence constitutes the first report
of this species for S. Gloucestershire. (P Evans, G Youdale)