Distinctive, fairly common summer migrant to warmer regions, from winter grounds in Africa. Found in open and semiopen country, mainly in drier areas; nests colonially in burrows dug into sand banks, often river banks. Usually seen perched on wires or circling in swallowlike flight, often in small groups; feeds by catching insects (especially bees) on the wing. Spectacularly colorful, with yellow throat, blue-and-rusty body.