White-throated Swallow

Afrikaans name: Witkeelswael

White-throated Swallow

Photo © Steven Herbert

Hirundo albigularis

The White-throated Swallow is a breeding migrant to South Africa. They arrive in early spring, breed, and then move off further up Africa for winter.

They are around 15 or 16 cm in length and their average weight is just over 20 grams.

White-throated Swallows are normally seen singly or in pairs. Occasionally small family groups may be seen. They catch all of their food, which consists mainly of insects, while in flight.

Their preferred habitats are grassland and other open areas that are near water.

The nest of the White-throated Swallow is made of mud and is cup-shaped. They usually make the nest on man-made structures such as bridges, culverts and buildings and they re-use it each year. Between 2 and 4 eggs are laid.

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 203

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1959 - Page: 84

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 84

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 66

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Year Published: - Page: 150

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 170

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 52

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 144

Ian Sinclair's Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 208

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 1984 - Page: 230

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 230

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 411

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Year Published: 1949 - Page: 205

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 339

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1981 - Page: 348

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 455

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 449

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 284

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 294

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 72

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 140

List of South African Birds