The forest swallow is a little-known species of swallow in the family Hirundinidae, found in Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Region
Central African rainforest
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland and foothill rainforests of Cameroon, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea (including Bioko), Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. It frequents forest edges, light gaps, clearings, and river corridors, often flying below or just above the canopy. The species tolerates secondary growth and selectively logged forest, provided there are open flyways to hunt. It is generally sedentary within its range, with local movements tracking insect availability.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Square-tailed Saw-wing, this species is a dark, forest-dwelling swallow that skims through shaded gaps and along streams beneath the canopy. The outer primaries have tiny serrations (the 'saw-wing') that can produce a faint rustling in fast flight. It often flies in small groups and may join mixed flocks of other swallows and swifts. Its preference for forest interiors makes it easily overlooked despite being locally common.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, agile darting; occasional glides
Social Behavior
Typically forages in small groups and may mix with other swallows and swifts along forest clearings and rivers. Breeds as pairs that may form loose colonies, placing nests on sheltered vertical surfaces or in cavities. Both sexes contribute to nest building and feeding. Territoriality around the nest is moderate but relaxed at shared feeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched twitters and rapid chips given in flight. It is more often heard giving thin contact calls than delivering a structured song.
Plumage
Uniform dark sooty to blackish plumage with a subtle bluish-green gloss in good light; compact, square-tailed silhouette with pointed wings.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on small flying insects, including midges, flies, and winged ants. Catches prey on the wing using quick sallies and agile turns through gaps under the canopy. Will exploit aerial insect emergences over streams and forest roads. Occasionally ascends higher above the canopy during swarms.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along shaded forest edges, river corridors, and light gaps such as roads and clearings. Often follows linear openings where air currents concentrate insects.
