European Swallow.
Hirundo rustica.
Vast numbers of this species migrate to Africa during the European winter. Very similar to the Gambia Swallow.
|
European Swallow. Hirundo rustica. Vast numbers of this species migrate to Africa during the European winter. Very similar to the Gambia Swallow. |
| Recognition: Small. Glossy blue-black above and mostly white below. Distinctive features are the red forehead and chin and broad blue-black band on the throat only clearly visible when the bird perches. The tail is forked and shows white spot from above when spread. The Gambia Swallow, indistinguishable unless perched, has a red throat and only a narrow blue-black band between this and the white breast. |
| Distribution: Throughout West Africa from late September to early April, but especially numerous at migration times. |
| Habits: Strongly gregarious, particularly when migrating. Much time is spent in low flight, where insects are most numerous, playing fields and water being favourite places. Also settle in twittering parties on telegraph wires ( but only rarely on trees). Readily drinking by dipping to a water surface in flight. A few stragglers remain through the year. Breeding does not concern us. |
| Call: A twittering song and a sharp cliking call of "chip". |
