The ashy woodswallow, sometimes also called the ashy swallow-shrike, is a woodswallow which is found in south Asia. Like other woodswallows, it has a short curved bill, a short square tail and long wings. It is usually seen perched in groups, high on powerlines, tall bare trees and most often in areas with a predominance of tall palm trees.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in open and semi-open habitats including farmland, scrub, village edges, and towns, especially where tall palms and scattered trees are present. Frequently uses powerlines and exposed perches for foraging. Avoids dense forest interiors but is common in mosaics of cultivation and groves. Roosts communally, often returning to the same sites. Readily adapts to human-modified landscapes.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The ashy woodswallow, also called the ashy swallow-shrike, is a compact aerial insect-eater common across much of South Asia. It often perches in tight huddles on powerlines and dead snags, and makes short sallies to catch flying insects. Pairs are strongly bonded and may nest in palm crowns or building crevices. Its short, hooked bill and long wings are characteristic of woodswallows.
In flight, the broad base to the wings gives it a very triangular outline (Hyderabad, India)
Ashy woodswallows huddling
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Often perches and roosts in tight-knit groups, sometimes pressing together in huddles. Typically forms monogamous pairs during breeding; nests are shallow twig cups placed in palm crowns, tree forks, or building crevices. Both sexes share incubation and chick feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, nasal chattering and twittering notes given during social interactions. Contact calls are short and buzzy; alarm notes are sharper and more insistent.
