The Pearl-breasted Swallow is one of the smallest swallows, and is rarely ringed. During a weekend of ringing at Ouberg farm, we were surprised to catch 6 in total (1-3 per day). We visited from 14-17 Feb 2025, and caught 105 birds of 27 species, with Southern Masked Weaver and Cape Bulbul at the top of the list.
Adult Pearl-breasted Swallows are alike in plumage and overlap in biometrics. I have not caught any juveniles yet, but they could easily be identified in hand by the gape flange and browner plumage above, as shown in the photo below.
The Pearl-breasted Swallow breeds in the Western Cape, building an open cup shaped nest of mud pellets, and often placed in a building. They move north after breeding, possibly moulting once they have left the Western Cape. I have handled 16 adults in the Western Cape, spread out over the summer months, and none showed primary moult. Alternatively, they may have a very fast moult after breeding, being completed by February.
Fact sheet:
Number ringed to date (SAFRING): 299 [1948-2024]
Longevity: 0y 9m 30d
Trip report: ebird
Reason special: very few previously ringed
