Swallows

Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica

Family Hirundinidae (Swallows)

Size: 6.5"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Old buildings, caves, open rural areas near bridges

The widespread and common barn swallow has narrow, pointed wings and a long, deeply forked tail. It is pale below and dark blue above with a rusty-orange forehead and throat. The male’s underparts are pale orange, while the female’s are pale cream. Barn swallows are graceful, fluid fliers, and they often forage in groups to catch insects in flight. They build cup-shaped nests of mud on almost any protected man-made structure. Their voice is a loud, repetitive chirping or clicking. The adult male is illustrated.