Cecropis senegalensis
The Mosque Swallow, *Cecropis senegalensis*, is a strikingly large and robust member of the Hirundinidae family, distinguished by its glossy blue-black upperparts contrasting with rich rufous-chestnut underparts, often with a white belly patch depending on the subspecies. Averaging 23-25 cm in length, including its long, deeply forked tail, and with a wingspan of 32-34 cm, it is notably larger than most other African swallows. Key identification marks include its prominent rufous rump, dark t...
Found primarily in open savannas, acacia woodlands, and semi-arid scrub, often in close proximity to human settlements where large buildings, bridges, and mosques provide suitable nesting sites, typically from sea level up to 2000 meters.
Strictly insectivorous, feeding exclusively on a wide variety of flying insects, including flies, beetles, ants, and moths, caught on the wing high in the air.
Diurnal and highly active, Mosque Swallows spend much of their day in agile aerial pursuit of insects, often flying at considerable heights. They roost communally in trees or on large structures, especially outside the breeding season. During breeding, pairs exhibit strong territoriality around t...
The Mosque Swallow boasts a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west, eastward through the Sahel and Horn of Africa (including Ethiopia and Somalia), and southward through much of East Africa to northern South Africa. This vast breeding range largely encomp...
Least Concern
- The Mosque Swallow is the largest species within the *Cecropis* genus, making it a giant among its close relatives. - Its common name, 'Mosque Swallow,' derives from its opportunistic habit of nesting on large human-made structures, including mosques, under bridges, and on other buildings. - Th...