Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
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<birdfyi-bird slug="barn-swallow"></birdfyi-bird>No swallow is more widely distributed than the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), and few passerines migrate farther: birds breeding across North America, Europe and Asia winter in South America, Africa and southern Asia. Metallic blue-black upperparts, a rufous forehead and throat, and a deeply forked tail drawn out into long outer streamers identify the species in flight; the bill is short, wide and flat, shaped for taking insects on the wing. Flies, beetles, moths and aphids are caught in continuous agile flight, and the birds drink by skimming the water surface. Nesting is now almost entirely tied to human structures - barns, bridges and eaves - set among open farmland and meadows. Adults measure about 19 cm and 19 g. The IUCN Red List rates the species Least Concern.
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Sobre
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 |
| Envergadura | 33,0 cm | 13.0 in |
| Peso | 19,0 g | 0.67 oz |
Identificação
Plumagem
Metallic blue-black upperparts, rufous forehead and throat, and pale buff to rufous underparts. Deeply forked tail with elongated outer streamers.
Bico
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.
Distribuição geográfica
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.
Estado de conservação
Comportamento e reprodução
Nidificação
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 13-16 days. Fledging: 18-27 days.
Tamanho da postura
2-7
Som
Canto
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.
Taxonomia
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordem | Passeriformes (Songbirds) |
| Família | Hirundinidae (Swallows & Martins) |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Espécies | Hirundo rustica |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Rauchschwalbe |
| Spanish | Golondrina Común |
Distribution
Barn Swallow has been recorded in 10 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Perguntas frequentes
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