swallows

1. Bird Name: Swallow (English) / Hirundo rustica (Scientific)

2. Appearance: Swallows are highly recognized for their elegant and aerodynamic body, characterized by their two-toned coloration. They flaunt a glossy, blue-black color on their top parts, including their head, back, and wings. The underparts, namely their chest and belly, are predominantly a warmer, cream to buff color. Their markedly forked tail and long, pointed wings distinguish them from other bird species. Their beak is short and triangular with a wide-open mouth optimized for aerial feeding. Their eye color is dark brown. Male and female swallows appear quite similar, although males generally possess longer tail streamers.

3. Size: Swallows are small birds with an average length of 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 inches). The wingspan of these agile birds stretches approximately 32-34.5 cm (12.6-13.6 inches), while they typically weigh between 16-20 grams.

4. Habitat and Distribution: Swallows are ubiquitous, found across every continent except Antarctica. They prefer open habitats such as fields, parks, and farmlands near bodies of water. Despite originating in Europe and Asia, they migrate long distances to warmer regions in Africa, South America and Southern Asia during winter.

5. Interesting Facts: Swallows are known for their impressive migration habits, flying thousands of miles without resting in search of warmer climates. Moreover, they can eat up to 60 insects per hour – catching them while in flight. The swallow is also a symbol of love and loyalty in several cultures due to their monogamous nature and tendency to return home each year.

6. Diet: Swallows largely feed on flying insects; their diet mainly comprises flies, mosquitoes, and gnats, but they also eat beetles and moths. On rare occasions, they may eat berries and seeds.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Swallows are social birds often seen in large flocks. Nesting style is communal, with nests built in the shape of a cup often under eaves or inside human dwellings. Their flight pattern is agile and swift, often low to the ground. The common Swallow’s song is a cheerful twitter, usually delivered in flight.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of the Swallow is currently classified as ‘Least Concern’. However, changes in farming practices have led to significant population decline in some areas.

9. Lifespan: Swallows can live up to 16 years in the wild, with an average lifespan of about 4 years. In captive conditions, they may live a little longer, although captivity isn’t typical for this species.

10. Additional Notes: Swallows, known as “Andorinhas” in Portuguese and “Golondrinas” in Spanish, are often seen in human-inhabited areas and have a generally positive interaction with humans. The swallow serves a significant role in ecosystems by helping control insect populations. They are also a popular feature in folklore and mythology – often symbolizing the arrival of spring and regarded as a harbinger of good fortune. In terms of nest building, Swallows are quite unique; they use mud pellets to create intricate, cup-shaped nests, which they often return to and refurbish year after year.