Red-breasted Swallow

Overview

The red-breasted swallow (Cecropis semirufa), also known as the rufous-chested swallow, is a member of the family Hirundinidae found across Sub-Saharan Africa. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Slightly smaller than the mosque swallow but with longer tail streamers.
• Features a blue crown and mantle contrasting with a rufous rump and underparts.
• The dark crown extends below the eye and there is no white on the underwing.
• Juveniles resemble the red-rumped swallow but possess blue on the side of the head rather than dull red.

Habitat

Found over most of Africa south of the Sahara, with a disjunct range extending from Senegal to Uganda. This species inhabits dry open country and is often absent from more wooded areas, where it is replaced by the similar mosque swallow. It builds closed mud nests with tubular entrances in cavities, under bridges, or in deserted structures.

Diet

This species feeds on insects which are almost all caught in the air. It rarely lands on the ground, instead perching on wires and twigs while maintaining a slow and buoyant flight.

Did you know?

The nests of the red-breasted swallow are often usurped by the white-rumped swift.