Barn Swallow Trivia

In Anglophone Europe, the barn swallow is just called the “swallow”. In Northern Europe, it is the only common species called a “swallow” rather than a “martin”. It is also known as the “common swallow” and “European swallow”.

In Anglophone Europe, the barn swallow is just called the “swallow”. In Northern Europe, it is the only common species called a “swallow” rather than a “martin”. It is also known as the “common swallow” and “European swallow”.

In Anglophone Europe, the barn swallow is just called the “swallow”. In Northern Europe, it is the only common species called a “swallow” rather than a “martin”. It is also known as the “common swallow” and “European swallow”.

Six subspecies of the barn swallow are generally recognized.

Barn swallows are carnivorous insectivores and feed almost entirely on flying insects.

The barn swallow is susceptible to changes in climate with bad weather in the wintering areas as well as the breeding grounds affecting breeding success. As such, the barn swallow is migratory.

Some humans feel that barn swallow nests are a nuisance, and are unsightly when they are attached to buildings and other man-made structures. As such, barn swallow nests are sometimes removed as a nuisance.

Barn swallows feed almost entirely on flying insects and catch most of their prey while in flight. Flies, grasshoppers, crickets, dragonflies, beetles, moths, and other flying insects make up 99% of their diet.

Barn swallows have a wide variety of calls used in different situations, from predator alarm calls, to courtship calls, and calls of young in nests. Nestlings give off a faint chirp while begging for food. Barn swallows also make clicking noises, which they create by snapping their jaws together.

Barn swallows have a wide variety of calls used in different situations, from predator alarm calls, to courtship calls, and calls of young in nests. Nestlings give off a faint chirp while begging for food. Barn swallows also make clicking noises, which they create by snapping their jaws together.

Barn swallows have a wide variety of calls used in different situations, from predator alarm calls, to courtship calls, and calls of young in nests. Nestlings give off a faint chirp while begging for food. Barn swallows also make clicking noises, which they create by snapping their jaws together.

Barn swallows have a wide variety of calls used in different situations, from predator alarm calls, to courtship calls, and calls of young in nests. Nestlings give off a faint chirp while begging for food. Barn swallows also make clicking noises, which they create by snapping their jaws together.

Barn swallows are diurnal.

American kestrels (Falco sparverius) and other hawks, such as sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus) and Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii), eastern screech owls (Megascops asio), gulls (Laridae), common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), boat-tailed grackles (Quiscalus major), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), squirrels (Sciuridae), weasels (Mustela), Northern raccoons (Procyon lotor), bobcats (Lynx rufus), domestic cats (Felis catus), snakes (Serpentes), bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), fish (Actinopterygii), and fire ants (Formicidae) are predators of barn swallows.

American kestrels (Falco sparverius) and other hawks, such as sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus) and Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii), eastern screech owls (Megascops asio), gulls (Laridae), common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), boat-tailed grackles (Quiscalus major), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), squirrels (Sciuridae), weasels (Mustela), Northern raccoons (Procyon lotor), bobcats (Lynx rufus), domestic cats (Felis catus), snakes (Serpentes), bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), fish (Actinopterygii), and fire ants (Formicidae) are predators of barn swallows.

American kestrels (Falco sparverius) and other hawks, such as sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus) and Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii), eastern screech owls (Megascops asio), gulls (Laridae), common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), boat-tailed grackles (Quiscalus major), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), squirrels (Sciuridae), weasels (Mustela), Northern raccoons (Procyon lotor), bobcats (Lynx rufus), domestic cats (Felis catus), snakes (Serpentes), bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), fish (Actinopterygii), and fire ants (Formicidae) are predators of barn swallows.

American kestrels (Falco sparverius) and other hawks, such as sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus) and Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii), eastern screech owls (Megascops asio), gulls (Laridae), common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), boat-tailed grackles (Quiscalus major), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), squirrels (Sciuridae), weasels (Mustela), Northern raccoons (Procyon lotor), bobcats (Lynx rufus), domestic cats (Felis catus), snakes (Serpentes), bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), fish (Actinopterygii), and fire ants (Formicidae) are predators of barn swallows.

The barn swallow lives in close association with humans and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by humans.

Like all swallows, barn swallows are socially monogamous.

Like all swallows, barn swallows are socially monogamous. However, extra-pair copulations are common, making this species genetically polygynous.

Both barn swallow parents incubate the eggs, which hatch in 13 to 15 days.

Although all swallows are socially monogamous, barn swallows differ from most swallow species in the sharing of parental care.

In North America, introduced house sparrows (Passer domesticus) are serious nest-site competitors, taking over nests and destroying eggs and nestlings.

Barn swallows differ from most swallow species in the sharing of parental care.

Barn swallows forage opportunistically. They have been observed following tractors and plows in order to catch the insects that are disturbed by the machinery.

Barn swallows are often seen in large social groups sitting on telephone wires or other elevated structures. Barn swallows also nest colonially, probably as a result of the distribution of high quality nest sites.

There are currently no known conservation measures for the barn swallow within Europe.

Barn swallows seek out open habitats of all types, including savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, artificial terrestrial habitats, artificial aquatic and marine habitats, and agricultural areas.

Barn swallows seek out open habitats of all types, including savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, artificial terrestrial habitats, artificial aquatic and marine habitats, and agricultural areas.

Barn swallows seek out open habitats of all types, including savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, artificial terrestrial habitats, artificial aquatic and marine habitats, and agricultural areas.

The barn swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world.

Un-mated adults often associate with a breeding pair for up to an entire season. Though these “helpers” do not usually feed the young, they may help with nest defense, nest building, incubation, and brooding.

Un-mated adults often associate with a breeding pair for up to an entire season. Though these “helpers” do not usually feed the young, they may help with nest defense, nest building, incubation, and brooding.

Un-mated adults often associate with a breeding pair for up to an entire season. Though these “helpers” do not usually feed the young, they may help with nest defense, nest building, incubation, and brooding.

Barn swallows frequently engage in a symbiotic relationship with ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), coexisting in a single nesting area to the mutual benefit of both species.

The barn swallow nest’s exterior is made from mud pellets mixed with fibers such as dry grass, straw, and horsehair. The nest is lined with dry grass and white feathers.

The barn swallow nest’s exterior is made from mud pellets mixed with fibers such as dry grass, straw, and horsehair. The nest is lined with dry grass and white feathers.

The barn swallow nest’s exterior is made from mud pellets mixed with fibers such as dry grass, straw, and horsehair. The nest is lined with dry grass and white feathers.

The barn swallow nest’s exterior is made from mud pellets mixed with fibers such as dry grass, straw, and horsehair. The nest is lined with dry grass and white feathers.

The barn swallow is found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

The barn swallow is found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

The barn swallow is found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Survival prospects and longevity appear to increase with tail length and wing and tail symmetry.

Survival prospects and longevity appear to increase with tail length and wing and tail symmetry.

Males and females are similar in appearance, though females tend to be less vibrantly colored.

The barn swallow’s global population is estimated at about 290,000,000-500,000,00 individuals.

The barn swallow is evaluated as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Male barn swallows try to attract females by spreading their tails to display them and singing.

Male barn swallows try to attract females by spreading their tails to display them and singing.

There may be local population declines in barn swallows due to specific threats.

The barn swallow’s scientific name is Hirundo rustica.

Some humans feel that barn swallow nests are a nuisance, and are unsightly when they are attached to buildings and other man-made structures. Large colonies in urban areas can also create detrimental cleanliness and health issues for humans. Finally, salmonella can be transmitted through barn swallow feces, posing a threat to livestock that live in close proximity to barn swallow colonies.

Some humans feel that barn swallow nests are a nuisance, and are unsightly when they are attached to buildings and other man-made structures. Large colonies in urban areas can also create detrimental cleanliness and health issues for humans. Finally, salmonella can be transmitted through barn swallow feces, posing a threat to livestock that live in close proximity to barn swallow colonies.

Some humans feel that barn swallow nests are a nuisance, and are unsightly when they are attached to buildings and other man-made structures. Large colonies in urban areas can also create detrimental cleanliness and health issues for humans. Finally, salmonella can be transmitted through barn swallow feces, posing a threat to livestock that live in close proximity to barn swallow colonies.

Some humans feel that barn swallow nests are a nuisance, and are unsightly when they are attached to buildings and other man-made structures. Large colonies in urban areas can also create detrimental cleanliness and health issues for humans. Finally, salmonella can be transmitted through barn swallow feces, posing a threat to livestock that live in close proximity to barn swallow colonies.

Barn swallows drink water by skimming the surface of a body of water while flying.

European birds winter in sub-Saharan Africa, although some individuals winter in southern and western Europe each year.

Barn swallows sing, both individually and as a group. Barn swallows have individual songs and often sing as a chorus.

Barn swallows chicks are naked and helpless when they hatch.

Barn swallows usually give alarm calls when predators come near. They mainly escape predators by being swift and agile in flight and by building their nests in places that are difficult for predators to reach.

Barn swallows usually give alarm calls when predators come near. They mainly escape predators by being swift and agile in flight and by building their nests in places that are difficult for predators to reach.

Barn swallows usually give alarm calls when predators come near. They mainly escape predators by being swift and agile in flight and by building their nests in places that are difficult for predators to reach.

Barn swallows are insectivores and feed almost entirely on flying insects.

Barn swallows are aerial foraging insectivores and feed almost entirely on flying insects.

Barn swallows usually raise two broods of chicks each breeding season.

Four of the six barn swallow subspecies are strongly migratory, and their wintering grounds cover much of the Southern Hemisphere as far south as central Argentina, the Cape Province of South Africa, and northern Australia.

The barn swallow is occasionally hunted for sport.

The barn swallow’s breeding season is usually from May to August, but this varies greatly with location.

The female barn swallow lays a clutch of two to seven eggs, with an average of five.

Although incidents of brown-headed cowbirds parasitizing barn swallow nests are rare, they have been documented.

During the nestling period, barn swallow parents may feed their nestlings up to 400 times per day.

Young barn swallows are able to breed in the first breeding season after they have hatched.

Nesting can be encouraged by providing wooden ledges or artificial nest cups made of cement and sawdust or papier maché.

Nesting can be encouraged by providing wooden ledges or artificial nest cups made of cement and sawdust or papier maché.

Nesting can be encouraged by providing wooden ledges or artificial nest cups made of cement and sawdust or papier maché.

The barn swallow is primarily a rural species in Europe and North America, whilst in north Africa and Asia it often breeds in towns and cities.

The barn swallow is primarily a rural species in Europe and North America, whilst in north Africa and Asia it often breeds in towns and cities.

Barn swallows are native in all the biogeographic regions except Australia and Antarctica.

Un-mated barn swallow “helpers” are predominantly male.

Other species are alerted to the presence of predators by barn swallows which give alarm calls when predators are nearby.

A study in West Virginia found that barn swallows foraged within 1.2 kilometers of their nests. In Europe, barn swallows foraged within 500 meters of their nest.

Both sexes of barn swallow help build the nest, which measures a cup or half-cup. Un-mated adult helpers may help with nest building.

Both sexes of barn swallow help build the nest, which measures a cup or half-cup. Un-mated adult helpers may help with nest building.

Both sexes of barn swallow help build the nest, which measures a cup or half-cup. Un-mated adult helpers may help with nest building.

The barn swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia.

The barn swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia.

The average lifespan of barn swallows is 4 years. Barn swallows of 8 years of age have been documented, but these are considered the exception.

Males and females are similar in appearance, though females tend to have shorter outer tail-streamers.

Europe forms approximately 20% of the global range, so a very preliminary estimate of the global population size is 290,000,000-487,000,000 mature individuals, although further validation of this estimate is needed.

Because of its extremely large range and population size and slowly declining population trend, the barn swallow is not endangered.

Because of its extremely large range and population size and slowly declining population trend, the barn swallow is not endangered.

Because of its extremely large range and population size and slowly declining population trend, the barn swallow is not endangered.

Female barn swallows have been documented selecting for symmetrical wings and tails and longer tail feathers in potential mates.

Female barn swallows have been documented selecting for symmetrical wings and tails and longer tail feathers in potential mates.

Changes in farming practices and the intensification of agriculture such as the abandonment of traditional milk and beef production have resulted in a loss of suitable barn swallow foraging areas. This can be attributed to a reduction in habitat as the barns and outbuildings which once housed barn swallows, give way to more urban settings. Intensive livestock rearing, improved hygiene, land drainage, and the use of herbicides and pesticides all reduce the numbers of insect prey available.

Changes in farming practices and the intensification of agriculture such as the abandonment of traditional milk and beef production have resulted in a loss of suitable barn swallow foraging areas. This can be attributed to a reduction in habitat as the barns and outbuildings which once housed barn swallows, give way to more urban settings. Intensive livestock rearing, improved hygiene, land drainage, and the use of herbicides and pesticides all reduce the numbers of insect prey available.

Changes in farming practices and the intensification of agriculture such as the abandonment of traditional milk and beef production have resulted in a loss of suitable barn swallow foraging areas. This can be attributed to a reduction in habitat as the barns and outbuildings which once housed barn swallows, give way to more urban settings. Intensive livestock rearing, improved hygiene, land drainage, and the use of herbicides and pesticides all reduce the numbers of insect prey available.

Barn swallows eat an enormous amount of insects and are very important in the control of their populations. They are quite effective in reducing insect pest populations. Barn swallows are also a useful food source for many predators. Barn swallows can also serve as an indicator or trigger organism, indicating possible environmental trouble, as declines in their relatively abundant numbers may precede other more obvious effects of environmental stress.

Barn swallows eat an enormous amount of insects and are very important in the control of their populations. They are quite effective in reducing insect pest populations. Barn swallows are also a useful food source for many predators. Barn swallows can also serve as an indicator or trigger organism, indicating possible environmental trouble, as declines in their relatively abundant numbers may precede other more obvious effects of environmental stress.

Barn swallows eat an enormous amount of insects and are very important in the control of their populations. They are quite effective in reducing insect pest populations. Barn swallows are also a useful food source for many predators. Barn swallows can also serve as an indicator or trigger organism, indicating possible environmental trouble, as declines in their relatively abundant numbers may precede other more obvious effects of environmental stress.

Within a colony, barn swallows defend a territory around their nest. In European barn swallows, these territories range in size from about 4 to 8 square meters.

Large areas of suitable habitat need to be maintained for this species, through the continuation and promotion of low-intensity, traditional farming. In particular, this requires extensive livestock rearing, a reduction in pesticide use and the preservation of wetland areas and waterbodies. Long-term monitoring and further research into the impacts of climatic variation is also needed.

Large areas of suitable habitat need to be maintained for this species, through the continuation and promotion of low-intensity, traditional farming. In particular, this requires extensive livestock rearing, a reduction in pesticide use and the preservation of wetland areas and waterbodies. Long-term monitoring and further research into the impacts of climatic variation is also needed.

Large areas of suitable habitat need to be maintained for this species, through the continuation and promotion of low-intensity, traditional farming. In particular, this requires extensive livestock rearing, a reduction in pesticide use and the preservation of wetland areas and waterbodies. Long-term monitoring and further research into the impacts of climatic variation is also needed.

Barn swallows can nest anywhere with open areas for foraging, a water source, and a sheltered ledge.

Barn swallows can nest anywhere with open areas for foraging, a water source, and a sheltered ledge.

Barn swallows can nest anywhere with open areas for foraging, a water source, and a sheltered ledge.

Asymmetry can result from genetic factors such as inbreeding or mutations as well as from environmental stress such as food deficiency, parasite infestation, or the presence of pathogens. Asymmetry of physical characteristics in barn swallows tends to be transmitted to the young in distinct parent to offspring patterns. Tail asymmetry tends to pass from father to son and from mother to daughter.

Asymmetry can result from genetic factors such as inbreeding or mutations as well as from environmental stress such as food deficiency, parasite infestation, or the presence of pathogens. Asymmetry of physical characteristics in barn swallows tends to be transmitted to the young in distinct parent to offspring patterns. Tail asymmetry tends to pass from father to son and from mother to daughter.

Asymmetry can result from genetic factors such as inbreeding or mutations as well as from environmental stress such as food deficiency, parasite infestation, or the presence of pathogens. Asymmetry of physical characteristics in barn swallows tends to be transmitted to the young in distinct parent to offspring patterns. Tail asymmetry tends to pass from father to son and from mother to daughter.