Barn swallow

Introduction: Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) can be found in all Namibian habitats including open grassland, pastures but generally uncommon at high altitude and scarce in semi-arid and desert habitats. They are a highly gregarious species, perching on grass stems, telephone lines,fences and trees.

Distribution: Throughout Namibia especially Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Etosha National Park, Namib Desert, Fish River Canyon and the Kalahari Desert.

Diet: Eats mainly ants, beetles and flies, spiders, midges and bugs.

Description: Large swallow with white spots on the inner webs of the out retrices. Glossy blue plumage above, white below. Hirundo is Latin for 'a swallow'.

Breeding: Extralimital.

Size: 20cm.

Weight: 18g.