Hirundo smithii
The Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii) is a striking passerine known for its exceptional aerial agility and distinctive plumage across its vast African and Asian range. Measuring 18-27 cm in length, including its dramatic tail streamers, and boasting a wingspan of 20-25 cm, this small to medium-sized swallow presents a captivating sight. Its defining features include iridescent metallic blue upperparts, a conspicuous chestnut-red crown and nape, and brilliant pure white underparts. However...
This species thrives in open country, often near permanent water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and marshes, at low to moderate elevations. It frequently utilizes human-made structures like bridges, culverts, and buildings for nesting.
Wire-tailed Swallows are obligate aerial insectivores, primarily consuming a wide variety of small flying insects such as flies, beetles, aphids, bees, and ants, captured expertly in mid-flight.
Wire-tailed Swallows are diurnal and highly active aerial insectivores, spending much of their day gracefully hawking insects on the wing with acrobatic displays. Outside the breeding season, they often form communal roosts, sometimes in reedbeds or on structures, but are typically seen in pairs ...
The Wire-tailed Swallow boasts a wide and largely resident distribution spanning two major continents. In Africa, it is found across sub-Saharan Africa, south of the Sahara Desert, ranging from Senegal and Mauritania eastward to Ethiopia and Somalia, and southward through East Africa, Central Afr...
Least Concern
- The "wires" in its tail can be up to twice the length of its body, making it one of the most distinctive swallows. - Its scientific name, *Hirundo smithii*, honors Scottish zoologist Andrew Smith, who first described it. - This swallow frequently builds its neat, cup-shaped nests under bridges,...