swallow
1. Bird Name
English name: Swallow (more specifically, Barn Swallow)
Scientific name: Hirundo rustica
2. Appearance
Swallows, particularly the Barn Swallow, are characterized by their sleek, streamlined bodies which are adapted for swift and agile flight. Their coloration is richly hued, most notably a deep cobalt blue on their crown, wings, and tail, contrasting beautifully with a russet-red face and lower belly. They have a distinct deeply forked tail with long, pointed wings. Both sexes are similar, but the male sports longer tail streamers and the females have a lighter underbody. The young ones bear brownish hues instead of the deep, dazzling blue of the adults.
3. Size
Swallow measures about 17-19 cm (approx. 7 inches) in length on average. They feature a wingspan of around 32-34.5 cm (13-14 inches). The weight of a mature swallow ranges between 16 to 22 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Barn Swallows are found throughout the world and have the largest geographic range of any swallow species. They inhabit all continents except Antarctica. Their habitat is mainly open country, spanning suburban areas, farms, fields, wetlands, marshes, and also human-made structures where they often establish their nests. During non-breeding season, they can be found in grasslands, desert edges, and over water bodies.
5. Interesting Facts
One fascinating fact about the Swallow is that they are exceptional migratory birds. They travel between 8300 and 12000 kilometers from their breeding grounds in North America and Europe to wintering areas in Central and South America, Southern Asia, and Africa. During these migrations, they can fly up to 290 kilometers per day. The swallow is also considered a symbol of love, loyalty, and peace in some cultures due to its migratory habits, returning to the same location each year.
6. Diet
Swallows are insectivores, their diet largely consists of flying insects which they catch in the air. They munch on a variety of bugs, including flies, beetles, wasps, ants, butterflies, and bees. Occasionally, they eat berries and seeds.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Swallows exhibit fascinating breeding rituals where males perform aerial displays to woo females. Their nests are typically built in man-made structures like barns and bridges, hence the name ‘Barn Swallow’. The sound swallows produce is a simple, cheerful warble, often ending in su-seer, heard when they’re perched.
8. Conservation Status
The Barn Swallow is a species of Least Concern, according to the IUCN Red List, due to its wide distribution and large population. However, certain local populations face threats due to habitat loss and changes in agriculture practices.
9. Lifespan
Barn Swallows have a life expectancy of up to 4 years in the wild, although the oldest recorded individual lived to 11 years and 7 months. In captivity, they tend to live shorter due to stress and the inability to migrate.
10. Additional Notes
In many cultures, Barn Swallows are seen as harbingers of spring or good luck. Their habit of nesting in close proximity to human habitations has led to a positive relationship with humans over centuries. They play a significant role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations. Furthermore, their migratory patterns provide critical information about climate and environmental changes. Local names for the bird vary by region— for example, it’s called ‘Hirondelle’ in French, ‘Rondine’ in Italian, and ‘Jaskółka’ in Polish.
