The Mosque Swallow is a large, distinctive swallow known for its striking rufous underparts, dark upperparts, and large size for a swallow. It's a common sight across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
Where to spot
Widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting open woodlands, savannas, farmlands, and often urban or semi-urban areas where suitable nesting sites are available.
How to spot
Identify it by its large size, rich rufous underparts, and its habit of nesting on large structures. Look for it soaring high or perching on wires. Observing large mud nests can help locate them.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in its resident range, with peak activity during breeding season (varies regionally) when they are most vocal and conspicuous around nesting sites.
Where to spot
Widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting open woodlands, savannas, farmlands, and often urban or semi-urban areas where suitable nesting sites are available.
How to spot
Identify it by its large size, rich rufous underparts, and its habit of nesting on large structures. Look for it soaring high or perching on wires. Observing large mud nests can help locate them.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in its resident range, with peak activity during breeding season (varies regionally) when they are most vocal and conspicuous around nesting sites.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This species earns its name 'Mosque Swallow' because it frequently builds its large, enclosed mud nests on buildings, including mosques, bridges, and other large structures, often in colonies.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.