Image via Macaulay Library
Lesser Striped Swallow
- Scientific name
- Cecropis abyssinica
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Urban suburban
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The Lesser Striped Swallow, scientifically classified as Cecropis abyssinica, is a passerine bird native to the Afrotropical realm. It was first formally described by the French ornithologist André Marie Constant Duméril in the early 19th century. This species is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, thriving in open habitats ranging from savanna and grasslands to clearings within woodland areas. Its biological design, characterized by pointed, swept-back wings and a deeply forked tail, facilitates the high-speed, agile flight necessary for its aerial insectivore lifestyle.
The distinctive plumage of the Lesser Striped Swallow—featuring a rufous crown and nape contrasting with its dark blue-black upperparts and streaked underparts—has made it a subject of interest in taxonomic studies regarding the Hirundinidae family. It is often observed building mud-pellet nests, frequently attaching them to man-made structures such as bridges or buildings. The species has historically been well-regarded by naturalists for its adaptability to human-altered environments, maintaining stable populations across its vast African range.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
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About Lesser Striped Swallow
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