Species Profile
Lesser Striped Swallow
Cecropis abyssinica
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Rufous-chested Swallow
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Appearance
The Lesser Striped Swallow is a small, striking bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a rufous-chestnut head and nape, with a glossy deep blue back. The wings and tail are blackish-brown, with the tail featuring long outer streamers. The underparts are white with dark streaks, most prominent on the throat and upper breast.
Both sexes look similar, though females have shorter tails. Juveniles show duller colouring overall, with a darker crown and paler rump.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Lesser Striped Swallows are widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa. They inhabit open woodland, savannah, and grassland areas, often near water bodies.
These swallows have adapted well to human-modified landscapes, frequently nesting on buildings in urban and rural areas. Some populations in southern Africa undertake seasonal movements, while others are more sedentary.
Distribution
Diet
Lesser Striped Swallows are insectivores, primarily feeding on flying insects caught in mid-air. Their diet includes flies, beetles, and flying ants.
They often feed in groups, swooping and gliding to catch prey, and may follow large animals or farm machinery to catch disturbed insects.
Behaviour
Lesser Striped Swallows are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks during non-breeding seasons. They are aerial insectivores, skilfully catching insects mid-flight with acrobatic manoeuvres.
These swallows frequently perch on wires or branches, especially when gathering nesting material or resting.
Calls & Sounds
The Lesser Striped Swallow has a soft, musical voice. Its call is a gentle, twittering 'tswee-tswee' or 'trit-trit', often given in flight.
During the breeding season, males may produce a more elaborate warbling song, typically delivered from a perch.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season when insects are abundant. Lesser Striped Swallows form monogamous pairs and often breed in loose colonies.
Nests are constructed from mud pellets mixed with grass, forming a closed cup with a tubular entrance. These are usually attached to vertical surfaces under eaves or bridges.
Females lay 2-4 white eggs with brown speckles. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 14-16 days and care for the chicks, which fledge after approximately 20-23 days.
Conservation
The Lesser Striped Swallow is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its adaptability to human-modified environments has helped maintain stable populations.
However, like many aerial insectivores, it may face challenges from pesticide use and climate change affecting insect abundance.
Elevation
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include birds of prey such as falcons and hawks, as well as domestic cats in urban areas. Snakes and small mammals may also raid nests for eggs or chicks.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them near open areas with nearby structures for nesting
- Observe their distinctive flight pattern: swift and graceful with quick turns
- Listen for their soft, twittering calls, especially when in flight
- Check eaves of buildings or bridges for their mud nests
Did You Know?
- Lesser Striped Swallows can drink and bathe on the wing, skimming the water's surface.
- They often return to the same nesting site year after year, repairing and reusing old nests.
- These swallows sometimes form mixed flocks with other swallow species during migration or feeding.
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