Specie's Page                                               Barn Swallow - Garden and Hedgerow

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.