Pied-winged Swallow
NamePied-winged Swallow
Common NamePied-winged Swallow
Scientific NameHirundo leucosoma
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)23
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsGlossy blue-black on the head, back, and upperwings, with pure white underparts. A distinctive white patch is present on the flight feathers of the wing, clearly visible in flight. The tail is deeply forked.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, twittering or chattering songs, often delivered in flight or from a perch. Alarm calls are typically sharper notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to West Africa, its range extends from Senegal and Gambia eastward through countries like Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, reaching into Cameroon.
Identifying FeaturesWhite wing patch, Glossy blue-black upperparts, White underparts, Deeply forked tail
Description
This small, agile swallow is characterized by its glossy blue-black upperparts and contrasting white underparts. It is an aerial insectivore, frequently seen hawking for insects over open landscapes and near human settlements.
