Large swallow with long wings and long dark deeply-forked tail. Adult male: Glossy, entirely dark purple plumage. Adult female: Entirely dark upper parts with brownish-dusky throat, breast and flanks contrasting with white belly. Dusky underwing. Juvenile: Similar to adult female, but slightly paler. All ages have dark eyes and small dark bill.

Length: 19 (cm) Wingspan: 39 (cm)

Habitat:

Open areas within close proximity to water. Bridges and other man-made structures for nesting.

Behavior:

Colonial nester. Drinks on the wing by flying low over water and scooping with mouth.

Feeding:

Diet consists of insects.