Swallows and Martins
Order: Passeriformes. Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide, 22 in Southern Africa.
- Sand Martin Riparia riparia
- Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola
- Banded Martin Riparia cincta
- Mascarene Martin Phedina borbonica
- Grey-rumped Swallow Pseudhirundo griseopyga
- Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
- Angola Swallow Hirundo angolensis
- White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis
- Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
- Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea
- Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata
- Greater Striped Swallow Hirundo cucullata
- Lesser Striped Swallow Hirundo abyssinica
- Rufous-chested Swallow Hirundo semirufa
- Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis
- Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica
- South African Cliff-Swallow Hirundo spilodera
- Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula
- Common House-Martin Delichon urbicum
- White-headed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne albiceps
- Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne holomelaena
- Eastern Saw-wing Psalidoprocne orientalis
Read more about this topic: List Of Southern African Birds
Famous quotes containing the word swallows:
“At a wavering instant the swallows gave way to bats
By the Ponte Vecchio . . .
Changing guard.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)