Breeding biology and taxonomy of the Red-breasted Swallow, Hirundo semirufa in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Nocturnal trapping and ringing of swallows around Harare, Zimbabwe, showed that at least five species have adapted their breeding behaviour to manmade road culverts, none more so than the Red-breasted Swallow, Hirundo semirufa, which may be found nesting in the smallest (46cm diameter) of pipe culverts. This species is double-brooded and returns to the same nest site year after year, though first-year birds appear to disperse well away from the natal area. There was some evidence of low divorce rates. Both adults roost in the nest at night, accompanied at times by a first brood of fledglings together with a second brood of naked young. Predation of nest contents is minimal, and adult longevity was about 5–6 years. Comparison of mensural data from Harare and Bloemfontein shows that the putative split of the nominate race of H. semirufa into (northern) short-tailed and (southern) long-tailed populations is not tenable on morphological grounds alone.

Ostrich 2004, 75(1&2): 5–10