The cliff swallow is somewhat similar in appearance to the barn swallow. The back, wings and crown of the adult is a deep blue like the barn swallow, but the cliff swallow has a light belly, chestnut-coloured face, dark throat and pale grey nape. Three field marks especially useful in distinguishing the cliff swallow from the barn swallow are the white forehead, buff rump and short, squared-off tail. The cliff swallow also has two white streaks down its back. Juveniles are brown above, buff below and have varying numbers of small white spots on their foreheads and throats.