Lesser Striped Swallow

Cecropis abyssinica (Guérin-Méneville, 1843)

Lesser Striped Swallow, Cecropis abyssinica, is a widespread breeding bird across Africa and belongs to the swallow family. It is found mainly in wooded lowland country and is also familiar around people’s homes. Its plumage is marked by dark blue upperparts, a red rump, and a chestnut-toned head, with white underparts that show dark streaking. The tail is blackish and carries very long outer feathers. It is a large swallow, and the streaking below is heavier than in the greater striped swallow.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Hirundinidae — Swallows, Martins

Breeding range

Africa: widespread