Species Profile
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Barn Swallow
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: European Swallow, Common Swallow
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Appearance
The Barn Swallow is a sleek, small bird with a distinctive deeply forked tail and long, pointed wings. Its upperparts are glossy steel-blue, contrasting with a rusty-red forehead and throat. The underparts are buffy to white, often with a reddish wash.
Males typically have longer tail streamers and more vibrant coloration than females. Juveniles are duller, with shorter tails and a paler throat.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Shorter tail streamers and paler underparts compared to males
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Barn Swallows have a nearly global distribution, breeding across much of the Northern Hemisphere and wintering in the Southern Hemisphere. They prefer open habitats near water, including farmlands, meadows, and suburban areas.
They are common summer visitors to the UK, USA, and Canada and can be found year-round in parts of Australia. Their adaptability to human structures has allowed them to thrive in diverse environments.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Wales
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Cambridgeshire
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Gloucestershire
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Barn Swallows are insectivores, primarily feeding on flying insects such as flies, moths, and beetles. They catch their prey in mid-air, often flying low over fields or water bodies. They'll also eat flying ants, moths, and beetles.
During the breeding season, they may consume up to 60 insects per hour to sustain their high energy needs.
Behaviour
Barn Swallows are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They are agile flyers, catching insects on the wing with swift, graceful movements.
These birds frequently perch on wires or branches, chattering amongst themselves and preening.
Calls & Sounds
Barn Swallows are known for their cheerful, twittering song, often described as a series of liquid chirps and warbles. Their call is a sharp 'vit' or 'vit-vit'. During the breeding season, males sing more elaborately, producing a pleasant, bubbling warble that sounds like 'weet-weet-wittit-wittit-wittit'.
They also produce alarm calls when they detect a threat and when attempting to deter predators from the nest.
Nesting & Breeding
Barn Swallows typically form monogamous pairs, with breeding occurring from spring to early summer. Courtship involves aerial displays and melodious duets.
Nests are cup-shaped structures made of mud pellets mixed with grass, lined with feathers. They are often attached to rafters in barns or under bridges. Females lay 4-5 white eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 14-19 days, with both parents sharing duties. Nestlings fledge after 18-23 days but remain dependent on their parents for up to a week after leaving the nest.
Conservation
While globally listed as Least Concern, Barn Swallow populations have declined in some regions due to agricultural intensification and loss of nesting sites.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable nesting habitats and reducing pesticide use in foraging areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Barn Swallows near open fields, farmlands, and water bodies.
- Observe their distinctive forked tails during flight.
- Listen for their cheerful, twittering calls, especially near nesting sites.
- In the UK and North America, check barns and outbuildings for nesting pairs in spring and summer.
Did You Know?
- Barn Swallows can drink and bathe on the wing, skimming the water's surface.
- They often return to the same nesting site year after year, travelling up to 11,000 km during migration.
- In many cultures, Barn Swallows symbolise good luck and heralds of spring.
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