Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

Summer — spring arrival to early fallSeasonal

The take

Swooping low over ballfields and ponds all summer, mud nest under the nearest bridge.

How to ID it

  • Steely blue back and long, deeply forked tail with white spots visible in flight.
  • Cinnamon-rufous underparts with rusty forehead and throat contrasting the blue crown.
  • Feeds on the wing low over fields and water with fluid wingbeats and quick, tight turns; builds mud nests under eaves and bridges.

Field marks at a glance

Size
small
Head
steely blue crown with rusty forehead and throat
Call
cheerful liquid twittering

Where & when

Summer — spring arrival to early fall

Learn more

Sources