Black Saw-Wing

Psalidoprocne pristoptera

Lowlands and escarpment. Slow, low flight.

Swallows

Not Endemic

Description

Fairly common resident and local migrant. All-black, fork-tailed swallow, recently lumped with previously split Eastern Saw-wing, Ssp orientalis that exhibit white or greyish underwing coverts. Could also be mistaken for [Blue Swallow]. In flight differs from swifts in slower wing beats and steadier flight with much gliding. Pairs and small parties occur near eastern coastal forests and montane forest fringes of the mist-belt region, often near wooded rivers. It forages in low-level flight, mostly below the tree tops.

Quick Facts

Bird Family

Small, long-winged, aerial-feeding birds. Swallows have mostly glossy-blue upperparts (some with rufous caps) and whitish, rufous or streaked underparts; the blackish saw-wing swallows are an exception. Saw-wings have rough, saw-like leading edges to their primary feathers (not apparent in the field). In all species, immatures are duller than adults. They build nests with mud pellets or burrow tunnels in banks or cliffs; they drink and bathe in flight by skimming the surface of still water, and perch to rest. For comparison, see swifts.