The white-throated swallow is a small bird in the swallow family. It is a common species, found in southern Africa, which has benefited from the increased nesting opportunities presented by the construction of bridges and dams.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds widely in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, with populations also in parts of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It favors rivers, dams, wetlands, and adjacent open grassland or farmland. Natural nest sites include cliffs and overhangs, but it now commonly uses bridges and culverts. During the non-breeding season, many birds shift north within southern Africa to warmer, wetter areas with abundant flying insects.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A sleek, aerial insect-eater of southern Africa, the white-throated swallow often nests on bridges, dams, and culverts, having benefited from modern infrastructure. It builds a neat mud cup lined with plant fibers and feathers, usually over water. Pairs are strongly territorial around the nest and may reuse or refurbish old nests across seasons.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile flier with quick wingbeats and sweeping glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, often foraging over water alongside other swallows. Monogamous pairs build mud cup nests under ledges or man-made structures and aggressively defend the immediate nest area. They may form loose colonies where suitable nest sites are clustered.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Produces soft twittering and chattering calls, with rapid contact notes exchanged in flight. Near nests, the vocalizations become more insistent, including trills and buzzy alarm notes.
