The red-breasted swallow, also known as the rufous-chested swallow, is a member of the family Hirundinidae, found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is confined to the tropical rainforest during the wet season.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from West to southern Africa, favoring open woodland, savanna, forest edges, and riverine corridors. It often forages over grasslands, wetlands, and farmlands and readily uses human-made structures for nesting. During rainy seasons it may move into moister zones, including the fringes of tropical rainforest, where aerial insects are plentiful. Avoids dense interior rainforest and true deserts, preferring broken habitats with open airspace for foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the rufous-chested swallow, this large African swallow builds enclosed, flask-shaped mud nests often under bridges, culverts, and building eaves. Outside the breeding season it ranges widely and may follow rainfall, concentrating near forest edges and riparian zones during wetter periods. It is frequently seen in loose flocks over open country, especially where flying insects are abundant. Its long, deeply forked tail and rich rufous underparts make it distinctive in flight.
A pair near their nest in Kruger NP, South Africa
Eggs of Cecropis semirufa - MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile with swooping glides
Social Behavior
Breeds singly or in loose colonies, with pairs constructing enclosed, retort-shaped mud nests attached to vertical surfaces like culverts and bridges. Both sexes build and share incubation and feeding duties. Generally monogamous within a season and may reuse or refurbish old nests. Outside breeding, it gathers in loose flocks, sometimes mixed with other swallows.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Soft, twittering warbles interspersed with sharp chips and trills. Calls are given frequently in flight and around colonies, forming a continuous, musical chatter.
