BARN SWALLOWbarn swallow
Hirundo rustica

Statistics
Length: 6-8 inches.

Physical Description
Swallows have long pointed wings and a deeply forked tail. The back is covered in metallic dark-blue feathers. The chest and parts of the underside of the wings are white, cream or pinkish. The face is a deep red. They have a large mouth with a small bill; and short legs. The sexes are alike but the male has slightly longer and narrower tail streamers.

Distribution
Swallows are found all over Europe during the summer months and migrate to Africa for the winter. They are also present in Asia and North America.

Habitat
They inhabit gardens, marshes, moors and fields, or open structures like barns.

Diet
They hunt airborne insects.

Behavior
Swallows are migratory and flock in large numbers in September ready to migrate to Africa, south of the Sahara. They return in early April. They often roost communally in reed beds outside of the breeding season. Swallows fly fast and low over the ground and water, turning quickly to catch insects in the air.
barn swallow babies
Reproduction
Swallows build nests on ledges in barns, sheds and outhouses. The bowl-shaped nest is built from mud mixed with saliva and from grass, and is lined with soft feathers and hair. The female lays 4-6 small whitish eggs that are speckled with red and violet dots. She incubates them for 14-16 days while the male feeds her. When they have hatched, the young birds are fed by both parents.

Conservation status
Migratory/Protected

Voice
Barn swallows are noisy and emit a sharp 'vit' call in flight.

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