
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
