Barn Swallow
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Alvesgaspar" title="User:Alvesgaspar">Alvesgaspar</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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 underparts. Their long, deeply forked tail features white spots on the outer feathers. Juveniles, as pictured, are duller with browner upperparts, paler rufous on the face and throat, and a shorter, less deeply forked tail.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include a cheerful, twittering song, often described as a series of warbles and trills, sometimes ending with a dry 'sitt-sitt' or 'sveet-sveevit'. Alarm calls are sharp 'sveet' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsfarmland, open country, grassland, wetlands, human settlements
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. Winters in the Southern Hemisphere, including South America, Africa, and southern Asia.
Identifying Featuresdeeply forked tail, iridescent blue-black upperparts, rufous face and throat, dark breast band, aerial foraging flight
Description
The Barn Swallow is a highly agile and widespread aerial insectivore, recognized by its graceful flight and deeply forked tail. These migratory birds often build their mud nests on man-made structures, raising broods of chicks that eagerly await their parents' return with food.
