Mosque swallow

Introduction: Dense, tall, broad-leaved woodland, riparian woodland and locations with mopane, baobab and leadwood trees are the ideal habitats to view the Mosque swallow (Hirundo senegalensis). They often perch on tree or telephone lines, singly or in pairs, roosting on tall grass or a bush.

Distribution: Extreme northern Namibia including Caprivi Strip.

Diet: Usually forages around 20m above water and trees for airborne insects such as ants, flies and termites.

Description: Blue-black glossy upperparts, white lores and stripe under the eye. Nuchal collar, flight feathers black, upper wing coverts glossy blue-black.

Breeding: Mud pellets are formed into a gourd-shape with a long entrance tunnel. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs in February or April.

Size: 24cm.

Weight: 45g.