Hirundo nigrorufa
The Black-and-rufous Swallow (Hirundo nigrorufa) is a striking passerine bird, immediately recognizable by its deeply contrasting plumage. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length, it boasts glossy, steel-blue-black upperparts that starkly transition to rich, unstreaked rufous (rust-colored) underparts, including the throat and belly. Its tail is moderately forked, a common feature among its genus, though the outer streamers are not exceptionally elongated. This species bel...
This swallow predominantly inhabits open grasslands, savannas, and various wetland environments, including swamps, marshes, and the edges of lakes and rivers. It generally prefers lower elevations but can be found up to moderate altitudes.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of a wide variety of small, flying insects, which they capture with remarkable acrobatic skill during continuous aerial foraging.
Black-and-rufous Swallows are highly diurnal and gregarious, often forming large communal roosts in reed beds or trees outside the breeding season. They are expert aerial insectivores, displaying ceaseless, agile flight as they hawk for prey. During the breeding season, they establish loose terri...
The Black-and-rufous Swallow is endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa, with a primary distribution across central and southern parts of the continent. Its breeding range includes countries such as Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia (Caprivi Strip), Zimbabwe, Malawi, and weste...
Least Concern
- The Black-and-rufous Swallow's vivid rufous underparts are a key identification feature, distinguishing it from many other African swallow species. - Unlike many swallows that migrate intercontinentally, this species is an intra-African migrant, moving primarily in response to rainfall patterns...