Wire-tailed Swallow
NameWire-tailed Swallow
Common NameWire-tailed Swallow
Scientific NameHirundo smithii
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsIridescent dark blue upperparts, bright rufous (chestnut) cap, and pure white underparts. The tail is deeply forked with two extremely long, thin, wire-like outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallA soft, twittering song and various sharp 'chip' or 'chwit' calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of southern Asia, including India and Southeast Asia.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, thin 'wire-like' outer tail streamers, Bright rufous (chestnut) cap, Iridescent blue upperparts, Pure white underparts, Deeply forked tail
Description
The Wire-tailed Swallow is a small, agile passerine bird characterized by its iridescent blue upperparts, rufous cap, and pure white underparts. It is most notable for its extremely long, thin 'wire-like' outer tail streamers, which are prominent in flight and at rest. This species is an aerial insectivore, often seen gracefully catching insects over water.
