European red-rumped swallow

The European red-rumped swallow is a small passerine bird in the swallow family Hirundinidae. It breeds in open hilly country of southern Europe and north Africa east to Iran, Pakistan and northwest India. During winter it migrates to Africa and southwest Asia. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the eastern red-rumped swallow, united under the common name of “red-rumped swallow”.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Europe, North Africa, and West to South Asia

Typical Environment

Breeds in open hilly and lightly wooded country from the Mediterranean basin across North Africa and the Middle East to Iran, Pakistan, and northwest India. Prefers cliffs, gorges, and escarpments but readily uses human structures for nesting. Frequently forages over farmland, scrubby slopes, and near rivers or reservoirs. Winters mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and southwest Asia, concentrating where flying insects are abundant.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size16–19 cm

Wing Span26–30 cm

Male Weight0.02 kg

Female Weight0.019 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

European red-rumped swallows build neat, flask-shaped mud nests with long entrance tunnels on cliffs, caves, and increasingly under bridges and eaves. They are agile aerial insect hunters and often forage over open hillsides and near water. Expansion of suitable man-made structures has helped the species extend its range northward in parts of Europe.

Gallery

In flight with nesting material

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

agile flier with swift, elastic wingbeats and frequent glides

Social Behavior

Usually nests in loose colonies or small groups, with both sexes building the enclosed mud nest and tunnel. Pairs are typically monogamous for a season, and two broods may be raised where conditions allow. Roosts communally outside the breeding season.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

A soft, twittering warble interspersed with dry buzzes and chirps. Calls are quieter and less ringing than those of barn swallows, often given in flight around colonies.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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