The square-tailed saw-wing, also known as the square-tailed rough-winged swallow is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest.
Region
Equatorial West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical rainforest from West Africa into the Congo Basin, including forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors. It favors intact and secondary forests but will also forage over adjacent farmland and roads near forest. Birds often concentrate over rivers and open glades where flying insects are abundant. Local presence can fluctuate with rainfall and insect hatches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the square-tailed rough-winged swallow, it belongs to the African saw-wing swallows known for the tiny serrations on the outer wing feathers that inspire their name. It is a fast, agile aerial insect hunter typically seen over forest clearings and along rivers. The tail is distinctly square-ended, helping separate it from other similar dark swallows.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low-level swoops
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups or loose flocks, sometimes mixing with other swallows and swifts over forest openings. Nests are typically in burrows in earth banks, cuttings, or cavities in trees or termitaria, lined with fine materials. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and defend the nest site.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of thin, high-pitched chips and twittering notes used in contact and foraging flights. Calls can become more excited and buzzy near colonies or when interacting with neighbors.
Plumage
Uniform sooty-black to glossy black with a slight greenish sheen; feathers smooth and sleek. Tail is square-ended without white markings.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on small flying insects such as flies, termites, ants, beetles, and midges. Captures prey on the wing with swift, precise maneuvers. Will exploit insect swarms after rains and over water. Occasionally forages higher above the canopy when insect activity is elevated.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, over rivers and streams, and across clearings and tracks within rainforest. Frequently patrols aerial feeding corridors where insects concentrate, including above road cuttings and glades.
