Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow, name of the most abundant species of the swallow family, also known merely as swallow. A long-distance migrant, it breeds around the world in the northern hemisphere and winters in the southern hemisphere. Male barn swallows are glossy-blue above; the underparts vary from white to deep chestnut, depending on the subspecies. The forehead and throat are bright chestnut, bordered by a complete or partial band of blue across the chest. The tail is deeply forked, and each tail feather—except the central pair—has a white spot on its inner web. Females are similar, but slightly duller in colour, with a shorter tail. Most barn swallows now make their nests in man-made structures, usually near water, such as buildings, culverts, bridges, or even ferries. Their original nest sites were probably caves and crevices in cliffs. Swallows can often be seen at dusk, swooping on small flying insects which make up their main food. Northern European birds migrate to Africa in the winter.

Scientific classification: The barn swallow belongs to the family Hirundinidae of the order Passeriformes. It is classified as Hirundo rustica. See also martin.