Pied-winged swallow

The pied-winged swallow is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae. It has distinctive steel-blue upperparts with white wing patches. It is native to parts of West Africa.

Distribution

Region

West Africa

Typical Environment

This species occurs from Senegal and The Gambia east through Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and into parts of Nigeria. It favors open habitats with scattered trees, gallery forests, forest edges, and wooded savannas, often near rivers and streams. It is also found around human settlements where suitable nesting ledges and open airspace are available. Local movements may occur following rains and insect abundance, but populations are largely resident within their range.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size13–15 cm

Wing Span27–32 cm

Male Weight0.014 kg

Female Weight0.014 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The pied-winged swallow is a sleek West African swallow recognized by its glossy steel-blue upperparts and striking white wing panels. It often forages over rivers and open woodland, catching insects on the wing with agile, acrobatic flight. Pairs or small colonies build mud cup nests on natural cliffs, rock faces, and increasingly on human structures. It is generally common within suitable habitat and considered of low conservation concern.

Gallery

Wing pattern in flight

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with agile, buoyant glides

Social Behavior

Often seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes forming loose colonies at nest sites. Nests are mud cups attached to vertical surfaces such as cliffs, rock faces, bridges, or buildings. Both parents participate in nest construction and feeding, and they may reuse or refurbish nests across seasons.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, twittering series of chirps and trills typical of swallows. Calls are given frequently in flight and around nest sites, with higher-intensity chatter during territorial or courtship interactions.

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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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