Blue Swallow

The South African Blue Swallow population of about 89 known pairs is classified as Critically Endangered. The Blue Swallow prefers high altitude, high rainfall (greater than 1000 mm p.a.), undulating, open, primary mist-belt grasslands (Allan et al. 1988). The Blue Swallow ecosystem throughout its breeding range in Africa is characterised by the occurrence of mist, during the birds breeding periods. In South Africa the bird is specialised to and therefore only found within the two grassland types known as north-eastern mountain sourveld and Natal Mist-Belt (Acocks 1975).

Directions

The best place to see Blue Swallow in Mpumalanga is at Kaapsehoop, situated 25km southwest of Nelspruit. The Kaapsehoop area is designated as an Important Bird Area.

A 470ha portion of Kaapsehoop grassland falls under protection of the Natural Heritage Site.

To enter this area you need a permit, so prior arrangement with a guide is necessary.

Contact Enos Zulu on +27(0)72 331 1197

GPS Coordinates

Location	Latitude	Longitude
Turn off to the hamlet of Kaapsehoop	25º35'40.15" S	30º45'56.07" E

 

Additional Information

The area's main ecological importance is due to the conserved remnant of high rainfall montane grassland. In addition to grassland there are extensive cliffs and fragmented indigenous forest..