
Red-breasted Swallow
The red-breasted swallow (Cecropis semirufa), also known as the rufous-chested swallow, is a member of the Hirundinidae family, found in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Species insights
Most records Oct to Nov
When Red-breasted Swallow sightings peak, from open records. Outside these months it is seen less often, not never.
Curve from 562 national iNaturalist observations, not from one property and not from this province. Single-month spikes are discarded as upload artefacts, and below 50 records we show no curve at all.
KwaZulu-Natal and beyond
Provinces where Red-breasted Swallow is most recorded. Tap one to find places to stay.
562 records, iNaturalist
Parks where hosts record the Red-breasted Swallow
Stays that give back
Across KwaZulu-Natal
Red-breasted Swallow recorded here
Red-breasted Swallow recorded here
Reliably seen · Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Rolling green hills, dairy farms, and pottery studios
See places that give backPlanning a trip
When and where to find the Red-breasted Swallow
Hosts have recorded the Red-breasted Swallow at stays in or beside iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ithala Game Reserve and Weenen Game Reserve.
Best hours of the day
- The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
- Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.
IUCN Red List
Least Concern
Species
Cecropis semirufa
Records
562
iNaturalist observations
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the Red-breasted Swallow on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
Which parks and reserves are best for the Red-breasted Swallow in KwaZulu-Natal?
Hosts on Spekboom have recorded the Red-breasted Swallow at stays in or beside iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ithala Game Reserve and Weenen Game Reserve. A record means a host has seen it on the property or nearby, which makes these the places to base yourself; it is never a guarantee of a sighting on any given day.
Where can you see the Red-breasted Swallow in South Africa?
The Red-breasted Swallow is most recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (36% of records), Mpumalanga (36% of records), Limpopo (13% of records), based on 562 iNaturalist observations. 3 places to stay on Spekboom in KwaZulu-Natal have recorded the Red-breasted Swallow on site or nearby.
When is the best time to see the Red-breasted Swallow?
Sightings of the Red-breasted Swallow peak from Oct to Nov, based on 562 iNaturalist records. You may still see it outside those months, sightings are just less frequent.
What is the conservation status of the Red-breasted Swallow?
The Red-breasted Swallow (Cecropis semirufa) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
What is the Red-breasted Swallow?
The red-breasted swallow (Cecropis semirufa), also known as the rufous-chested swallow, is a member of the Hirundinidae family, found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is confined to the tropical rainforest during the wet season.

























