The mountain saw-wing, also known as the mountain rough-winged swallow or the Cameroon Mountain rough-winged swallow is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae.
Region
West-Central Africa (Cameroon Highlands)
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane zones, especially along forest edges, secondary growth, and open glades within highland forests. It is frequently seen coursing over streams, ravines, and road cuts where insects concentrate. The species adapts to mosaic habitats including plantations and clearings adjacent to native forest. Roosting often occurs on sheltered ledges, in culverts, or near earthen banks used for nesting.
Altitude Range
800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mountain saw-wing is a small African swallow specialized for life in high-elevation forests and edges. Males have tiny serrations on the outer wing feathers that can produce a faint rasping sound in flight, giving the group its name. It often flies low along forested streams and clearings, snatching insects on the wing. Local upslope and downslope movements follow weather and insect availability.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, agile dashes; low, weaving flight along slopes and streams
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small loose groups, sometimes associating with other swallows and swifts over feeding hotspots. Nests are placed in small colonies, typically in burrows or crevices in earthen banks, cuttings, or culverts. Both parents participate in nest building and feeding of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft twitters and dry trills given in flight, with brief high-pitched tsip notes during foraging. Calls are most frequent around colonies and at dawn and late afternoon feeding bouts.
