Barn Swallow [Hirundo Rustica]

You can read more about Barn Swallow here - https://avibirds.com/barn-swallow/

In this video, we take a look at the barn swallow.

QUICK FACTS:

• Lifespan: 4 years (average)
• Length: 7 in
• Wingspan: 13 in
• Weight: 0.7 oz
• Family: Hirundinidae

Description

The barn swallow is a familiar migratory bird and a symbol of spring in the northern hemisphere. Its plumage is glossy blue above and cream-white below with a rufous-colored face and throat. Swallows are characterized by their forked tails, which are longer in males than females.

The tail is edged with a row of white spots. There are six recognized subspecies of barn swallows, with variations in plumage and range.

Vocalizations: Call and song

The common call of the barn swallow is a clear, sharp witt-witt-witt. They sing twittery songs with cheerful warbly notes.

Distribution and range

Barn swallows are socially monogamous, with pairs mating for life. However, extra-pair copulation is common in this species. They build cup-shaped nests under surfaces such as roofs, beams, ledges, ceilings, bridges, and cliffs. The nest is constructed using mud pellets and lined with soft materials such as grasses and feathers.

They may nest in colonies depending on the nesting site. Barn swallows aggressively defend their nests from potential intruders. Females lay up to seven eggs. The eggs are white with reddish spots. The incubation period lasts around 17 days, and the nestlings fledge after about three weeks, but they are still dependent on the parents for another week.

Habitat

Barn swallows inhabit open areas near water. Habitats include meadows, pasturelands, farmlands, and the open country. They are often found in barns, stables, and sheds, for which they are named.

Diet and feeding habits

Barn swallows are insectivorous, mainly feeding on flies and aphids. They also eat flying ants, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. They typically catch insects in flight, but also pick them off trees, the ground, and water surfaces.

Nesting and breeding

Barn swallows are socially monogamous, with pairs mating for life. However extra-pair copulation is common in this species. They build cup-shaped nests under surfaces such as roofs, beams, ledges, ceilings, bridges, and cliffs.

The nest is constructed using mud pellets and lined with soft materials such as grasses and feathers. They may nest in colonies depending on the nesting site. Barn swallows aggressively defend their nests from potential intruders.

Females lay up to seven eggs. The eggs are white with reddish spots. The incubation period lasts around 17 days and the nestlings fledge after about three weeks but they are still dependent on the parents for another week.

Predators and parasites

Barn swallows can be preyed on by hawks, falcons, owls, and predatory bats. They are prone to infestations by avian lice, which are believed to cause the holes visible on the wing and tail feathers. The lice are often found on the white tail spots.

Status and conservation

The barn swallow is a common species with a vast global range and a thriving overall population. They are highly adaptable and thrive in developed areas. And unlike many species, they have benefitted from the clearance of forests due to their preference for open areas.

You can read more about Barn Swallow - https://avibirds.com/barn-swallow/

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