Cecropis abyssinica
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.
Length
15cm to 19cm
Wingspan
28cm to 30cm
Weight
15g to 25g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Blue White Rufous
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Tropical, Subtropical
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:
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