Vocalizations of the South African cliff swallow Hirundo spilodera

Abstract

The vocalizations of both adult and juvenile South African cliff swallows Hirundo spilodera are described. This swallow has a large vocal repertoire considering that it is a highly colonial species, and at least seven distinctive calls are recognized. In chicks there is a gradual change in the food soliciting call and it develops into the contact call. Contact calls of both chicks and adult birds were individually recognizable.