About:
The **Barn Swallow** (*Hirundo rustica*) is a migratory passerine bird, recognized as the most widespread species of swallow in the world. Here are some key details:
1. **Geographic Range**:
– Barn swallows breed in North America, northern Europe, northern Asia, northern Africa, the Middle East, southern China, and Japan.
– During winter, they migrate to South America, South Asia, Indonesia, and Micronesia¹.
2. **Habitat**:
– These adaptable birds can nest in various locations, including barns, outbuildings, bridges, eaves of old houses, and even on slow-moving trains.
– They prefer open habitats for foraging, with access to water and sheltered ledges¹.
3. **Physical Description**:
– Size: 14.6 to 19.9 cm long, with a wingspan of 31.8 to 34.3 cm.
– Coloration: Metallic blue-black above and pale beige below, with light brown throat and forehead.
– Distinctive Feature: Long, deeply forked tail.
– Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females are similar, but females are less vibrantly colored and have shorter outer tail-streamers¹.
4. **Reproduction**:
– Socially monogamous, but extra-pair copulations are common.
– Breed each spring after arriving on breeding grounds¹.
5. **Flight and Behavior**:
– Known for graceful flight and agile maneuvers.
– Often seen flying over open areas near water or along mountain ridges during migration².
Feel free to ask if you’d like more information! 🐦🌿