Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
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<birdfyi-bird slug="barn-swallow"></birdfyi-bird>About
The barn swallow is the most widespread swallow species in the world and has one of the longest migrations of any passerine. Its arrival signals spring across the Northern Hemisphere, inspiring cultural references from ancient Greece to modern poetry. Barn swallows have become almost entirely dependent on human structures for nesting.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 19.0 cm | 7.5 in |
| Wingspan | 33.0 cm | 13.0 in |
| Weight | 19.0 g | 0.67 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Metallic blue-black upperparts, rufous forehead and throat, and pale buff to rufous underparts. Deeply forked tail with elongated outer streamers.
Bill
Short, wide, flat black bill adapted for catching insects in flight
Habitat & Range
Open farmland, meadows, and areas near water. Nests almost exclusively in human-made structures such as barns, bridges, and eaves.
Geographic Range
Breeds across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters in South America, Africa, and South Asia.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insects caught in continuous agile flight, including flies, beetles, moths, and aphids. Drinks by skimming water surfaces.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 13-16 days. Fledging: 18-27 days.
Clutch Size
2-7
Sound
Song
A rapid, twittering song: a long stream of 'vit-vit-vit' and rolling chirps. Also gives a sharp 'vit' flight call. Song can last many minutes without pause. Musical and liquid.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes (Songbirds) |
| Family | Hirundinidae (Swallows & Martins) |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | Hirundo rustica |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Rauchschwalbe |
| Spanish | Golondrina Común |
Distribution
Barn Swallow has been recorded in 10 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Barn Swallow eat?
Where does the Barn Swallow live?
Is the Barn Swallow endangered?
How does the Barn Swallow nest?
What does the Barn Swallow sound like?
How big is the Barn Swallow?
What order and family does the Barn Swallow belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Hirundinidae family