Image via Macaulay Library
Greater Striped Swallow
- Scientific name
- Cecropis cucullata
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Urban suburban
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The Greater Striped Swallow, scientifically classified as Cecropis cucullata, is a migratory passerine bird native to southern Africa. Evolutionarily, it developed its characteristic pointed wings and deeply forked tail to facilitate agile, high-speed aerial hunting, allowing it to expertly maneuver while catching insects on the wing. Its distinct plumage, featuring bold dark streaks against a creamy underbelly, serves as a key identifying trait within the Hirundinidae family.
Ornithologically, this species is noted for its sophisticated nest-building behavior, as it constructs enclosed, retort-shaped mud structures often located under bridges, eaves, or rock overhangs. The species was first formally described by the French naturalist Pieter Boddaert in 1783. Its design—refined through millennia of natural selection—represents an adaptation to diverse environments, ranging from open grasslands to urban structures, where it has successfully integrated into human-altered landscapes.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Greater Striped Swallow
Greater Striped Swallow is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Greater Striped Swallow on collecto.rs?
Greater Striped Swallow doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Greater Striped Swallow?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Greater Striped Swallow catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Greater Striped Swallow is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
