Angola Swallow

Overview

The Angola swallow (Hirundo angolensis) is a species of swallow native to the Afrotropics. It belongs to a species complex that includes Barn, Red-chested, Pacific, Welcome, White-throated, and Ethiopian swallows.

Identification

• Size: 15 cm in length with a weight between 16 and 19 g.
• Plumage: Forehead, throat, and upper breast are deep rufous-chestnut, while the crown and upperparts are shiny steel-blue.
• Flight feathers: Black with large white windows on the tail.
• Song: Emits a weak twittering.

Habitat

This species frequents a variety of open habitats, extending up to the fringes of forest, whether natural or altered by man. Its range includes Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

Diet

The diet consists of a variety of flying insects. Foraging behaviour varies, as they may hunt either alone or in flocks.

Did you know?

Its breeding season and abundance depend heavily on its region of residence, with a few individuals undertaking migrations.