African red-rumped swallow

The African red-rumped swallow is small passerine bird in the swallow family Hirundinidae. It is found in northern areas of Africa south of the Sahara.

Distribution

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across the northern sub-Saharan belt from West Africa through the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, and locally in East Africa with some populations extending farther south seasonally. It favors open country, savanna, lightly wooded areas, and agricultural landscapes, often near water. Human structures provide abundant nesting sites, especially bridges and buildings. Local movements track rainfall and insect abundance, so presence can fluctuate within regions.

Altitude Range

0–3000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size15–19 cm

Wing Span26–32 cm

Male Weight0.02 kg

Female Weight0.019 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The African red-rumped swallow is a small aerial insectivore that builds distinctive flask-shaped mud nests, often under bridges, in culverts, or on cliff faces. Its warm, rufous rump and nape help separate it from the Barn Swallow, which has a chestnut throat but a blue rump. Pairs frequently reuse and refurbish old nests, saving time and energy each breeding season.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

agile with rapid wingbeats and graceful glides

Social Behavior

Often seen in loose flocks, especially when feeding over open areas and water. Nests are built from pellets of mud into flask-shaped structures with a narrow entrance tunnel, placed on sheltered vertical surfaces. Typically breeds in pairs or small colonies, and nest sites are reused across years.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Soft, twittering warbles mixed with chirps and short buzzes. Calls are conversational and subdued compared to the Barn Swallow, often given in flight around nesting sites.

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Identification

Leg Colorblackish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Glossy blue-black upperparts with a warm rufous crown and nape, and a rich rufous rump contrasting with the back. Underparts are buff to pale cinnamon with fine dark streaking on the breast and flanks. Tail is long and shallowly forked with narrow streamers.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds almost entirely on flying insects such as flies, termites, winged ants, beetles, and small moths. Captures prey on the wing using swift, agile flights over open ground and water. During termite emergences it gathers in numbers to exploit the abundant food. Drinks and occasionally skims the surface of water while flying.

Preferred Environment

Forages over savanna, fields, pastures, wetlands, and along river corridors. Frequently patrols around human structures, roads, and open villages where insects concentrate.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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