365 Urban Species. #214: Barn Swallow

Photo by cottonmanifesto. Location: Spectacle Island, Boston.

Urban species #114: Barn swallow Hirundo rustica

When an animal has a man-made structure in its common name (house sparrow, chimney swift), there's a good chance that it's a potential urban species. Barn swallows have been nesting in barns for almost as long as there have been barns. This bird is native to all the continents except Antarctica and Australia, and chooses well-sheltered ledges to make its nest. They nest in their northern range, and migrate to southern climes in winter. Before humans invented barns, barn swallows would make their mud nests in caves and under cliffs. They are tolerant of the presence of humans, and are attracted to agricultural areas to make use of the high concentration of prey insects as well as nest sites. They fly rapidly, catching insects on the wing, and drink by making skimming flights across the water.

Unlike swifts, swallows will perch, often on telephone wires. Most swallows are dull colored, but some have blue, green, or violet iridescence, like hummingbirds, on their backs. Barn swallows have dark blue iridescence, and a reddish buff belly, making them easy to recognize. Changes in barn construction and the disappearance of small farms have reduced the numbers of barn swallows somewhat. In the city they may nest under bridges or in abandoned buildings. The fledgling pictured here was likely hatched from a nest under the tall dock at Spectacle Island.