The mosque swallow is a large species of swallow. It is a resident breeder in much of sub-Saharan Africa, although most common in the west. It does not migrate but follows the rains to some extent.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across open savannas, wooded grasslands, and forest edges, and is particularly frequent around human settlements. Often nests on tall buildings, culverts, and bridges, as well as on cliffs and large trees with suitable overhangs. Hunts over open country, river corridors, and recently burned areas where insects concentrate. Most abundant in western and central parts of its range but scattered farther east and south where habitat is suitable.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its habit of nesting on large buildings including mosques, this is one of Africa’s largest swallows. It builds a gourd-shaped mud nest with a long entrance tunnel on sheltered ledges, bridges, and walls. Although non-migratory, it follows seasonal rains to exploit bursts of flying insects. Pairs are typically monogamous and may reuse and refurbish old nests.
Specimen at Nairobi National Museum
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
buoyant flier with quick wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small loose groups and sometimes forms small, loose colonies at nesting sites. Both sexes collect mud to build an enclosed retort-shaped nest with a long entrance tube on sheltered vertical surfaces. Clutches are typically small, and parents share incubation and feeding duties. Old nests are frequently repaired and reused.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, musical series of twitters and warbles delivered from a perch or near the nest. In flight it gives sharp chips and buzzy chatter, with harsher scolds when alarmed.
Plumage
Glossy blue-black upperparts with a rich rufous nape and rump, and buff to creamy underparts finely streaked dark. Wings are dark and the tail is shallowly forked. The face shows warm rufous tones contrasting with the darker crown and mantle.
Diet
Feeds almost entirely on flying insects such as termites, ants, beetles, flies, and wasps, caught on the wing. It often congregates at termite emergences following rains. Foraging height varies from just above ground to well above the canopy. It occasionally drinks on the wing over water.
Preferred Environment
Hawks over open savanna, grasslands, and along river courses, as well as around villages and towns. Frequently forages above roads, burned patches, and grazing areas where insects are concentrated.
