Barn Swallow
Common Name: Barn Swallow
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
Genus: Hirundo
Species: Hirundo rustica
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photo M. Noonan |
Taxonomy/Description
The Barn Swallow belongs to the order of
perching birds, Passeriformes. It is a member of the
swallow and martin family, Hirundinidae. The genus
Hirundo is the Latin word for “swallow.” The species
name, Hirundo rustica, literally means “swallow of the
country.”
A Barn Swallow can measure 6-7 in (15-19 cm) from head
to tail. Wingspan measures 11-13 in (29-32 cm). It can
weigh between 0.6-0.71 ounces (17- 20 g). Male and
female Barn Swallows are similar in appearance, except
males have a longer tail and a darker underside. Both
have a dark blue back and a light tan underside with a
dark red throat. Barn Swallows are the only swallow that
possesses a true swallow tail, which is one that is
deeply forked. The tail also has small white spots on
it.
Habitat/Diet
Barn Swallows are
cosmopolitan. They have the widest distribution of all
the swallows, and they are also the most abundant. Their
summer range in the western hemisphere extends from the
central parts of Mexico to the southern portions of
Alaska. In the east, it extends from the northern parts
of Africa to Eurasia. Their winter range runs from south
Mexico to the lowland portions of South America.
Specifically, Barn Swallows are found in open habitats,
marshes, lakeshores, fields, and farms.
Like all swallows, Barn Swallows are aerial
insectivores. They forage for flying insects, such as
mosquitoes, moths, and dragonflies by flying straight
and low to the ground. Barn Swallows are opportunistic
feeders, and have been known to follow farm vehicles out
in the field in order to feed on the disturbed insects.
photo M. Noonan
Behavior/Reproduction
Barn Swallows are monogamous. They
are social birds that tend to live in small colonies,
and extra-pair copulations are known to occur. Males
attract females by singing to them and displaying their
tails. Studies have shown that females prefer males with
long, symmetrical tails. Adults without a mate may act
as “helpers” to a breeding pair. These helpers are
usually males, and they assist with nest building,
incubation, and defending the nest.
Barn Swallow nests can be a cup or funnel shaped
structure. It is made out of mud, clay, grass, and plant
stems, and is either attached to the side of a wall or
placed on top of a ledge. Female Barn Swallows lay
between three to seven eggs. These eggs are a creamy
white color marked with dark brown. The eggs are
incubated by both the male and the female for about two
weeks. Once the eggs hatch, both parents take turns
feeding the young. Young Barn Swallows fledge three
weeks after they hatch.
Vocalization
Song is a musical blend of soft
twittering and chattering. Sometimes members of a colony
will sing together in a chorus.
Where to see them in WNY
Barn Swallows are often found near
farms, open fields, and places with water such as ponds
and marshes. A good place to find them is in the
Emergent Marsh of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge