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The wire-tailed swallow is a small bird with a glossy blue back, white underparts, and a chestnut-colored cap, named for its two long, thin tail feathers. It is a fast, aerial insectivore, often seen flying low over water and building its mud nest on vertical surfaces, including human-made structures like bridges and buildings. This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia and has a "least concern" conservation status globally.
Physical characteristics
Size: Measures approximately 18 cm (7.1 in) long.
Plumage: Features glossy blue upperparts, a chestnut forehead and crown, and clean white underparts.
Tail: Distinguished by two very long, thin, wire-like filaments on its outer tail feathers. Females and juveniles have shorter or no "wires" and a duller cap.
Habitat and behavior
Habitat: Prefers open country, such as grasslands, wetlands, and cultivated areas, particularly near water.
Diet: An aerial insectivore that feeds on flying insects like flies, wasps, and termites.
Flight: A very fast flyer that often swoops low over water.
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Nesting and reproduction
Nest: Builds a neat, half-bowl-shaped nest from mud, which is placed on vertical surfaces. Nests are often found under cliff ledges or on man-made structures like bridges, buildings, and culverts.
Territorial: Nests are typically solitary and territorial, unlike some colonial swallow species.
Eggs and incubation: Lays a clutch of 2-4 eggs in Africa and up to 5 in Asia. The female primarily incubates the eggs.
Parental care: Both parents feed the chicks, with the female providing more food.
Distribution and conservation
Distribution: Found in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. Some populations are resident, while others migrate seasonally.
Conservation status: Globally listed as "least concern" by the IUCN, although some regional statuses may vary.
Threats: The introduction of man-made nest sites has, in fact, benefited this species.
