The rufous-bellied swallow is a species of swallow that breeds on the Malay Peninsula. It has faintly streaked deep rufous underparts, and an unstreaked rump. It is usually raised to species status from its closest relative, the striated swallow.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly on the Malay Peninsula from southern Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia to Singapore. Favors open country, forest edges, agricultural lands, and coastal lowlands interspersed with scattered trees. Frequently forages over rice paddies, rivers, and wetlands, and readily uses human-made structures for nesting. Generally a lowland species but may range into foothills where open airspace is available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often treated as a split from the Striated Swallow, it is distinguished by its deep rufous, only faintly streaked underparts and an unstreaked rufous rump. It commonly nests on buildings, bridges, and culverts, constructing enclosed mud nests with a short entrance tunnel. Its tight association with human structures can make it locally common where suitable nest sites and open foraging areas exist.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
swift, agile flight with rapid wingbeats and frequent glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small loose groups, especially around feeding areas. Builds enclosed mud nests with short entrance tunnels on vertical surfaces, frequently on buildings, bridges, and culverts. Breeding is typically in small colonies or semi-colonial clusters.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of twittering chips and soft trills, interspersed with buzzy notes during aerial chases. Vocalizations are high-pitched and conversational, intensifying around nest sites.
Plumage
Glossy blue-black upperparts with rufous crown and nape; underparts deep rufous with only faint, fine streaking. Rump plain rufous and unstreaked; tail moderately forked with pale spots on the inner webs.
Diet
Feeds almost entirely on small aerial insects such as flies, beetles, winged ants, and termites. Captures prey on the wing, often low over fields, waterways, and roads. Will exploit insect emergences, including swarms after rain, and may follow livestock to take advantage of flushed insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages over open habitats with unobstructed airspace, including agricultural land, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal flats. Often concentrates near water where insect densities are high and around human settlements that provide both insects and nesting substrates.
