Square-tailed Sawwing
NameSquare-tailed Sawwing
Common NameSquare-tailed Sawwing
Scientific NamePsalidoprocne nitens
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsEntirely glossy black plumage, which can show a subtle dark blue-green sheen in certain light conditions. The tail is distinctly square-ended, lacking the deep fork found in many other swallows.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, buzzing or churring notes, often given in flight or from a perch. They are generally not highly vocal.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east to Uganda and south to Angola. It typically inhabits lowland evergreen forests, forest edges, and clearings, often near water.
Identifying Featuresentirely glossy black plumage, square tail, small size, aerial foraging behavior, saw-like serrations on outer primary feathers (difficult to see in field)
Description
The Square-tailed Sawwing is a small, entirely glossy black swallow. It is an agile aerial insectivore, often seen foraging over forest clearings and rivers in its African range, typically perching on bare branches.
