Hirundo rustica
adult
The Barn Swallow is a familiar songbird, often seen in flight or perched on overhead wires. The sexes are subtly dissimilar. Adult males have a blue cap, nape, and back, with a red forehead and throat. A dark breast band separates the throat color from the buffish-orange underparts. The tail has long streamers (extensions to the outer feathers) that are very obvious in flight. Adult females are similar but have much paler underparts and shorter tail streamers. Juveniles are similar to an adult female but with even shorter tail streamers and a dull buff throat and forehead.
The Barn Swallow is present as a breeding species across much of North America, mainly from March to September. It spends the rest of the year in South America. It builds a mud nest, sometimes in a natural setting such as a cave, but often on a ledge in an agricultural barn or shed. It chases insects in flight and often feeds over water.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 6.5–7 in (16.5–18 cm)
FOOD Insects
HABITAT Open country, including grassland and farmland
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor
VOICE Song comprises a series of twittering warbles, and grating notes. Calls include a sharp che-viit
