Barn
Swallow:
UK Status: Summer visitor,
breeds in the UK.
Habitat: This bird can be
found in many different situations ranging from being way out into open
areas of the countryside, through to suburban, and urban areas.
Breeding: This bird spends
a high proportion of it's life on the wing, and migrates over huge
distances. It can be seen in the UK from as early as March before it
leaves again in September, or October. Their nests are built against
vertical surfaces under the eaves of roofs, rafters inside barns, or
attics. Nests are made of mud pellets mixed with the birds own spittle,
the spittle effectively acts like a glue. Mud balls are attached to the
vertical surface of the chosen nesting site. The birds keep attaching
further mud pellets until a nesting cup is formed. Nests are lined with
grass, feathers and algae. Birds typically lay four or five eggs per
clutch, and there are two, and sometimes three broods per year. Eggs are
off white and ovular in shape, speckled heavily towards the large end
with reddish brown streaks.
Comment: This bird is the
most common, and most widely distributed swallow in the world. These
birds virtually feed in the air, catching insects whilst flying around.
Vagrants have been reported from as far away as Antarctica.
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