Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica
Abuja, Nigeria. July 2008

The Ethiopian Swallow is widespread and common in a wide variety of open habitats across much of Africa (from Senegal to Somalia). Obviously closely-related to other Hirundo swallows, it generally resembles (and behaves) much like a Barn Swallow and in flight at a distance appears similar: close views though show that Ethiopian Swallows have incomplete (almost non-existent at some angles) breast-bands and a buffy (not red) throat. Additionally Barn Swallows are absent from much of the Ethiopian Swallows’ range for much of the year, though there is some overlap between Oct and April.

Photographs copyright Charlie Moores 2008