South african cliff swallow

Introduction: South African cliff-swallows (Hirundo spilodera) inhabit Namibian sparse savannah and grassland. Flocks of between 10 and 1,000 birds are common. Roosting is in nests.

Distribution: Scattered populations in central and northern Namibia including Etosha National Park and Swakopmund.

Diet: Eats mainly insects by hovering over bush to flush them out.

Description: Dark brown crown, nape brown with bluish gloss. Rufous rump, blackish brown tail, square-tipped. Upper wings blackish brown, upper breast rufous.

Breeding: Gourd-shaped nest with entrance tunnel built of mud pellets and lined with wool and feathers. Females lay 1 to 4 eggs and incubated for up to 16 days.

Size: 14cm.

Weight: 21g.