The pearl-breasted swallow is a small swallow.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Found mainly in arid and semi-arid zones of southern Africa, including parts of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It favors open country such as scrubby Karoo, fynbos edges, savanna, and farmlands. Nests are placed under natural overhangs or, more commonly, on human-made structures like bridges and culverts. The species forages over open fields, roads, and near water where insects are abundant, and it generally avoids dense forests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The pearl-breasted swallow is a small southern African swallow with clean white underparts that can show a pearly sheen. Unlike many swallows, it often breeds in single pairs or small loose groups rather than large colonies. It readily uses human structures such as culverts, bridges, and buildings for its mud cup nests. As an agile aerial insect-hunter, it helps control flying insect populations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
agile flier with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Pairs often nest alone or in small loose clusters, constructing mud cup nests lined with grass and feathers. They readily adopt bridges, culverts, and buildings as nest sites. Outside the breeding season they may join mixed-species swallow flocks to feed over open areas.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A soft twittering series of chirps and trills, given both in flight and from perches near the nest. Calls are high-pitched and buzzy, with gentle conversational chatter between mates.
