Swallow

Swallows are a group of passerine birds in the family Hirundidae. They are small, streamlined birds with long, slender wings, thus allowing them to fly very fast over long distances. Most species of swallows are migratory.

Though there are smoe swallows which are cavity nesters, most swallows build nests of mud under roofs of barns and buildings, and sometimes under bridges. Swallow numbers have exploded whenever human-built structures have been built near their habitat, thus letting them build their nests.

The most famous swallow species is the Barn Swallow, one of the most cosmopolitan bird species. It is found all over the Northern Hemisphere and winters in the Southern Hemisphere.

Swallow Species

• Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica
• Common House-Martin, Delichon urbica
• Bank Swallow, Riparia riparia
• Cliff Swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
• Purple Martin, Progne subis

Similar Species

A similar bird to swallows are the swifts, which are more closely related to hummingbirds, despite similar appearances and behaviors.