Image via Macaulay Library
Mosque Swallow
- Scientific name
- Cecropis senegalensis
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Urban suburban
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The mosque swallow, Cecropis senegalensis, is a widespread member of the Hirundinidae family, primarily found across sub-Saharan Africa. It was formally described by Linnaeus in 1766, deriving its common name from the tendency of some populations to nest in man-made structures, including the exterior walls of mosques and other buildings, which demonstrates the species' high level of adaptation to human-altered environments.
Physically, the species is defined by its pointed wing shape, which facilitates its characteristically fast, agile flight, and a deeply forked tail that aids in maneuverability. Ornithologists and bird enthusiasts have long noted its distinctively larger size compared to similar swallows and its striking plumage, which often features a dark crown and a rich, rufous-colored underbelly, contributing to its status as a visually notable subject within field guides of African avian life.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
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About Mosque Swallow
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