barn swallows
1. Bird Name
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
2. Appearance
Barn Swallows are notable for their sleek, streamlined shape and their long, deeply forked tail feathers that flutter as they fly. Their upper body, including the wings and tail, is a glossy cobalt blue that may appear almost black in certain light. The underneath is much lighter, a pale beige or buff color, with a dusky orange or rust-colored hue on the throat and forehead. The eyes are small and black, while the beak is short and pointed, suited for catching insects on the fly. Both sexes are similar, with males having longer tail streamers and deeper coloration.
3. Size
The average length of a Barn Swallow ranges from 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 inches). A fully grown Barn Swallow has a wingspan of approximately 32-34.5 cm (12.6-13.5 inches) and a weight range between 16-22 grams (0.56-0.77 oz).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Barn Swallows demonstrate an incredible geographical range, with a distribution spanning five continents – North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. They are versatile birds, inhabiting a diversity of open rural habitats including farmlands, open woodlands, fields, and suburban areas. However, they have a particular preference for areas near water bodies.
5. Interesting Facts
Barn Swallows are some of the most accomplished migrators among birds, traveling up to 7,500 miles one way in their annual journey from their North American breeding grounds to their wintering areas in Central and South America. Also intriguing is their reactive nesting behavior, often building their mud-cup nests on human-made structures, thus the name “Barn Swallow”. Cultural depictions of the Barn Swallow are associated with the coming of spring and prosperity in many cultures.
6. Diet
As insectivores, Barn Swallows consume a diet composed entirely of insects, mainly of flies, beetles, wasps, ants, and bees, caught mid-air in agile flight maneuvers.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Known for their distinctive flight pattern, Barn Swallows fly in sweeping, fluid motions, often hunting in a zigzag pattern. Their sounds are a cheerful mix of warbling, chattering, and gurgling notes that rise and fall in dynamic melody.
8. Conservation Status
As per the IUCN Red List, the status of the Barn Swallow is of “Least Concern”, as their population remains widely distributed and abundant, although their numbers have been declining in certain areas.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Barn Swallows typically live for about 4-5 years but have been known to live up to 11 years. In captivity, their lifespan can extend up to 20 years.
10. Additional Notes
In French, the bird is known as ‘Hirondelle de grange’, and in Spanish, it’s called ‘Golondrina Común’. They contribute beneficially to ecosystems by controlling insect populations. Their droppings also help fertilize soil. However, barn swallows can enter into conflict with people due to the mess their nests can create, and sometimes due to concern over possible transmission of swallow bugs to domestic fowl. Nevertheless, many people appreciate these attractive birds around their property.
