Greater Striped Swallow

The Greater Striped Swallow, Cecropis cucullata, is a large and striking bird native to the southern regions of Africa. Measuring between 18 to 20 centimeters in length, it boasts dark blue upperparts contrasted by a pale orange rump and a rich chestnut crown, nape, and sides of the head. Its underparts and underwing coverts are a creamy white, adorned with dark streaking, while the upper wings and underwing flight feathers are a blackish-brown. The tail is blackish with elongated outer feathers, slightly longer in males than females. Juveniles present a duller, browner appearance with less contrast and shorter tail feathers.

Identification Tips

When observing the Greater Striped Swallow, look for its slow, buoyant flight and listen for its twittering "chissick" call. The bird can be identified by its distinctive coloration, particularly the chestnut head and pale orange rump. The long outer tail feathers are also a key characteristic to note.

Habitat

This species is a bird of dry open country, favoring grasslands and showing a preference for hills and mountains. It tends to avoid more wooded areas but is often found in close proximity to human habitation.

Distribution

The Greater Striped Swallow breeds in the southern parts of Africa, with a range that includes South Africa, Namibia, and southern Zimbabwe. It is a migratory bird, wintering further north in countries such as Angola, Tanzania, and the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Behaviour

Common and unafraid of humans, the Greater Striped Swallow has adapted well to the presence of people, often benefiting from the availability of nesting sites around human structures. It primarily feeds on flying insects but may occasionally consume small fruits.

Breeding

The Greater Striped Swallow constructs a bowl-shaped mud nest with a tubular entrance, often on the underside of man-made structures such as buildings and bridges. The nest is lined with soft materials and may be reused in subsequent years. The species may also choose natural sites like caves or rock overhangs. High nest sites are preferred when available. The eggs are glossy white with brown spots, typically numbering three per clutch. Incubation, lasting 17 to 20 days, is carried out by the female, with both parents feeding the chicks post-hatching. Fledging occurs after 23 to 30 days, though the young may return to the nest to roost for a short period.

Similar Species

The Lesser Striped Swallow, Cecropis abyssinica, is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by its heavier and darker underpart striping, deeper red rump, and rufous ear coverts. It also prefers less open habitats compared to the Greater Striped Swallow.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Greater Striped Swallow consists mainly of flying insects, which it catches in flight. It has also been known to eat small fruits.

Conservation status

The Greater Striped Swallow is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it does not face any significant threats to its population at this time.