| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | A small swallow, about 15–17 cm in length, with long wire-like tail streamers in adults. It has metallic blue upperparts, rufous forehead and throat, and white underparts. Both sexes look similar, though females have slightly shorter tail streamers.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Partly migratory species — widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
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| Migrate to: | Northern populations move southwards during winter. In India, many are resident along rivers and wetlands, while others show seasonal dispersal.
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| Breeding season: | Breeds mainly from March to July, coinciding with the pre-monsoon and early monsoon. Nests are mug-shaped mud structures, often attached to riverbanks, buildings, or under bridges. Clutch size is usually 3–4 eggs.
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| Breed in: | Prefers riverbanks, lakes, and wetlands, often nesting on vertical mud walls or man-made structures near water.
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| Habitat: | Found in open habitats near freshwater, including rivers, ponds, lakes, irrigation canals, and reservoirs. Frequently seen flying low over water catching insects.
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| Diet: | Entirely insectivorous, feeding on flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and midges. Catches prey on the wing with agile, acrobatic flight.
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