Lesser Striped Swallow
NameLesser Striped Swallow
Common NameLesser Striped Swallow
Scientific NameCecropis abyssinica
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)14.5
Plumage DetailsThis swallow has a rufous (orange-brown) crown and nape, dark glossy blue upperparts, and a rufous rump. Its underparts are white with heavy dark streaking, and it possesses long, slender tail streamers.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of a series of chirps, twitters, and trills, often delivered in flight or from a perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south to Angola, Zambia, and South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesRufous crown and nape, Dark glossy blue upperparts, Heavily streaked white underparts, Rufous rump, Long tail streamers
Description
The Lesser Striped Swallow is a medium-sized swallow known for its aerial agility while foraging for insects. It often nests on man-made structures, building a retort-shaped mud nest.
