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.

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	495	Hirundo albigularis
2nd	495	Hirundo albigularis
3rd	495	Hirundo albigularis
4th	495	Hirundo albigularis
5th	520	Hirundo albigularis
6th	520	Hirundo albigularis
7th	599	Hirundo albigularis

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	495	White-throated Swallow
2nd	495	White-throated Swallow
3rd	495	White-throated Swallow
4th	495	White-throated Swallow
5th	520	Whitethroated Swallow
6th	520	Whitethroated Swallow
7th	599	White-throated Swallow

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	495	Witkeel-swawel
2nd	495	Witkeel-swawel
3rd	495	Witkeel-swael
4th	495	Witkeel-swael
5th	520	Witkeelswael
6th	520	Witkeelswael
7th	599	Witkeelswael

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

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

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

Wild About Johannesburg - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 1995 - Page: 43

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

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

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

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 - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 262

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

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 234

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

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

More Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: P. Ginn & G. McIlleron - Published: 1981 - Page: 22

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Reader s Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 411

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

Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna - Author: Cliff & Suretha Dorse - Published: 2023 - Page: 174

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birds of Africa south of the Sahara - Author: Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan - Published: 2003 - Page: 356

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

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

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

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

BirdLife South Africa

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List of South African Birds