Barn Swallow, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3photos

Description

The Barn Swallow is a sleek, agile aerial insectivore recognised by its deeply forked tail with long streamers. In flight, it shows remarkable manoeuvrability as it pursues insects low over fields and water. A summer visitor to the UK, arriving in April and departing by October, the Barn Swallow breeds throughout most of Europe and migrates to sub-Saharan Africa for winter.

Vital statistics

  • Body length

    15 - 20 cm

  • Weight

    16 - 22 g

  • Wingspan

    29 - 32 cm

Diet
  • Insects90%
  • Other Invertebrates10%
Habitat
ForestFreshwaterGrasslandUrbanWetlands