Mosque Swallow

The Mosque Swallow (Cecropis senegalensis) presents itself as a large and robust member of the swallow family. With a glossy dark blue upper body and a striking dark rufous rump, it captures the eye of any keen birdwatcher. The face is adorned with whitish lores and a collar, while the underparts transition from pale to dark rufous. Notably, the underwing coverts are very pale, contrasting sharply with the dark flight feathers. Males and females are similar in appearance, though females sport slightly shorter tail streamers. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage. This species measures an impressive 21–23 cm in length.

Identification Tips

To identify the Mosque Swallow, look for its large size and heavy build, which resemble the Red-rumped Swallow. The glossy dark blue of the crown and upperparts, combined with the dark rufous rump and pale rufous throat, are distinctive. The pale underwing coverts are a key feature to observe, especially in flight.

Habitat

In the southern reaches of Africa, the Mosque Swallow is typically found in dense broad-leaved woodlands, favoring areas with mopane and miombo trees, interspersed with baobabs and leadwoods. In West Africa, it shows a preference for more open spaces such as forest clearings, savannas, and the vicinity of villages and towns.

Distribution

The Mosque Swallow graces a wide range of sub-Saharan Africa with its presence, from southern Mauritania and Senegal, stretching east to western South Sudan, and then southward to Namibia, northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and northeastern South Africa.

Behaviour

This species is known for its slow, falcon-like flight, often gliding and soaring high above the woodland canopy. It is a sociable bird, sometimes forming flocks of up to 30 individuals, particularly when feasting on flying insects during termite emergences or bushfires.

Breeding

The Mosque Swallow is not a strict seasonal breeder; it nests throughout the year, with a peak from August to April. Nests are constructed from mud pellets and lined with grass and feathers, resembling a gourd with a long entrance tunnel. These nests are often placed in tree cavities, especially in baobabs, but also on branches, in buildings, or road culverts. Clutches typically consist of 2-4 eggs.

Similar Species

The Mosque Swallow may be confused with the Red-rumped Swallow due to its size and coloration. However, the Mosque Swallow's larger size, darker rufous rump, and the pale contrast of its underwing coverts can help distinguish it from its relative.

Diet and Feeding

Adept at aerial hunting, the Mosque Swallow feeds on a diet of flying insects, including ants, termite alates, and flies. It forages at varying heights, from just above the ground to high above the treetops.

Conservation status

The Mosque Swallow is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any imminent threats to its survival.