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White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis)

Saw one on Saturday. In the sun the blue on its back and wings was just shimmering.

Habitat: Usully solitary or in pairs, sometimes in family groups. Flight quick and agile, similar to that of Eurasion Swallows. Often hawks prey over water and open grasslands. Perches on posts or stumps in water.


Larger Pic

Breeding: These swallows migrate to South Africa to breed from August to March with a double brood.
Eggs: White, speckled with red-brown and some grey measuring 20,1x14,2.
Incubation: 15-16 days.
Nestling: 20-21 days fed by both parents. Fledgings return to nest for about 12 days after initial departure.
Nest: Half-cup of mud ppellets mixed with grass, lined with feathers and rootlets. Nest is stuck to a bridge, culvert, dam wall, rock face and silo (usually close to a overhang or roof). Same site used year after year.

This is the same 'residential couple' as from the previous post. Their nest is now complete and is hanging from the bottom of the hide.

Seen along Darling Hills Road (a great spot for birding!) in October 2007.

Seen building their nest in the Seeberg hide at WCNP


White-throated Swallow, on Flickr

What a gorgeous little bird and photograph!

Typical, perched on a stick over water.
Pilanesberg, Sunday 26th Feb

Adult





Juvenile




Juvenile begging



Being fed

Did You Know?
The origin of the name Swallow is from the Old English swalwe or swealwe, a name given to birds with long, pointed wings that caught and ate their food in the air.

Did You Know?
Flocks of swallows can often be seen flying rapidly in sweeping dives as they attempt to catch the proliferation of swarming insects, such as termite alates that are prevalent before or after summer storms.

White-Throated Swallow photographed at Kgomo Kgomo bridge