Swallow-like; the only martin in the region to have pure white underparts and a white rump. In flight from below it is easily confused with grey-rumped swallow, but has a noticably less deeply forked tail and broader based, shorter wings.
Juvenile has a pale grey rump and is less glossy above than adult.
Over dry, broadleaved woodland and thornveld, mountainous terrain, and coastal habitats in the south.
A single 'chirrp'.