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.

References and further reading

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

Wildlife of the Cape Peninsula - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2001 - Page: 57

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 205

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 411

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 84

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 150

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

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 185

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

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

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

---

Top

List of South African Birds