Barn Swallow
NameBarn Swallow
Common NameBarn Swallow
Scientific NameHirundo rustica
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)18
Weight (g)19
Plumage DetailsAdult Barn Swallows have iridescent blue-black upperparts, a rufous (rusty) forehead and throat, a dark blue breast band, and creamy white to buff underparts. Their deeply forked tail features white spots on the outer feathers, visible during flight.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include a cheerful, chattering song, often interspersed with a 'squeak-squeak' or 'wit-wit' sound. Alarm calls are typically sharp 'flitt' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, farmland, meadows, marshes, coastal areas, human habitation
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Winters in the Southern Hemisphere, primarily in South America, Africa, Southern Asia, and Australia.
Identifying FeaturesDeeply forked tail, Iridescent blue-black back, Rufous face and throat, Creamy white to buff underparts, Agile, acrobatic flight
Description
The Barn Swallow is a graceful and agile aerial insectivore, easily recognized by its deeply forked tail and acrobatic flight. These highly migratory birds often nest in man-made structures, returning to the same sites year after year.
