The red-throated cliff swallow, also known as the red-throated swallow, is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae. It is found in Angola, Republic of the Congo, DRC, Gabon, and Zambia.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found from lowland forest edges and river corridors to open woodland and savanna mosaics in Angola, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. It prefers areas with nearby vertical faces for nest placement, including cliffs, road cuttings, and bridges. Colonies are typically established over water or along steep banks where mud is available for nest construction. It forages widely over rivers, floodplains, clearings, and burned areas. Seasonal rains that trigger insect emergences often concentrate feeding activity.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A colonial nester, it builds gourd-shaped mud nests in tight clusters on cliffs and under bridges. It often feeds over rivers and clearings, exploiting swarms of termites and other aerial insects after rains. The species readily uses human-made structures for nesting, which can help it persist where natural cliffs are scarce. It frequently associates with other swallows and swifts while foraging.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile swoops and brief glides
Social Behavior
Strongly colonial, with dozens to hundreds of nests packed together on suitable vertical surfaces. Pairs are typically monogamous within a breeding season and both sexes contribute to nest building using mud pellets. They often forage in mixed flocks with other swallows and roost communally near colonies.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, twittering series of chirps and squeaky notes given in flight and around colonies. In dense colonies the chatter becomes a continuous, conversational buzz. Contact calls are sharp chips used to maintain cohesion.
