Greater Striped Swallow
NameGreater Striped Swallow
Common NameGreater Striped Swallow
Scientific NameCecropis cucullata
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)31.5
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)24.5
Plumage DetailsFeatures a rufous (reddish-brown) crown and nape, glossy dark blue upperparts, and a rufous rump. The underparts are whitish with prominent dark brown streaking, and it has a deeply forked tail with white spots on the outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of chirps, twitters, and trills, often described as a 'chissick' or 'chissick-chissick' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho. It migrates north to central Africa during the non-breeding season.
Identifying FeaturesRufous crown and nape, Glossy dark blue upperparts, Heavily streaked whitish underparts, Rufous rump, Deeply forked tail
Description
The Greater Striped Swallow is a medium-sized swallow characterized by its rufous crown and heavily streaked underparts. It is an agile aerial insectivore, often seen gracefully catching insects in open country.
