Lesser Striped Swallow
Cecropis abyssinica
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
15cm to 19cm
Wingspan
28cm to 30cm
Weight
15g to 25g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Blue White Rufous
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Lesser Striped Swallow. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Exceptional aerial agility demonstrated through acrobatic mid-air insect catching, swift manoeuvres, and ability to drink and bathe whilst flying. Their deeply forked tail and pointed wings enable remarkable precision in flight.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst capable of carrying mud pellets for nest building and catching insects, their small size (15-25g) limits overall strength. Adequate for their lifestyle but not particularly powerful compared to other birds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species thriving across various habitats from sea level to 2,000m, successfully colonising urban environments, and showing flexibility in nesting locations. Their ability to form mixed-species flocks and adjust to human-modified landscapes demonstrates strong adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally peaceful and social, forming cooperative breeding colonies. Shows little territorial aggression beyond normal nest defence. Primarily focuses on communal feeding and breeding activities.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Strong endurance evidenced by their continuous aerial foraging, partial migration capabilities, and ability to maintain sustained flight whilst hunting. Their relatively small size requires efficient energy management for these demanding activities.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
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.
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.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Cecropis abyssinica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22712350A263839246.
View source - 2 3 4
report, 2004: del Hoyo et al.
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