Grey rumped swallow

Introduction: Grey-rumped swallows (Pseudhirundo griseopyga) inhabit floodplains and large woodland clearings near water. They can also be observed in farmlands and short sandy grassland near water, usually in pairs or small, loose flocks of no more than 30 birds.

Distribution: Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) and the lower Kunene River.

Diet: Prey caught aerially over low grass or above ground. Eats mainly insects and aerial arthropods.

Description: Brown forehead, crown and nape. Deeply forked brownish black tail. Flight feathers brownish black. Griseopyga is Greek for 'a grey rump'. Often confused with the heavier house martin.

Breeding: Females lay 2 to 5 eggs in a burrow made of dry grass blades and stems. Incubation period is unknown.

Size: 14cm.

Weight: 9g.