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Swallow (Barn Swallow)
Hirundo rustica
The Swallow has a very long forked tail. The “prongs” on the tail of the male are longer than those on the female.
Both sexes of Swallow have a blue sheen on their backs and wings, and rust-red throats.
They often perch on telegraph wires, and gather in groups ready for their long journey to hotter countries.Swallows spend most of their time flying continuously, in an easy gliding style. They fly with speed and grace. They catch their food on the wing.
Habitat
Swallows are common in farmlands, but can be found in many open spaces.
Food
Swallows eat flying insects, which they catch mid air.
Nest and Eggs
A Swallow’s nest is unusual. The Swallows spits out lumps of clay, which are stuck together with the bird’s saliva.
This creates a cup-shaped nest, which is later lined with straw and feathers. The nest is built under shelter, usually indoors, often on the wooden beam of a barn or some other ledge.
The eggs are white with reddish-brown spots. Four or five are laid at one time. The Swallow can produce an impressive three broods of chicks every summer, between May and August. When the eggs hatch, both parents feed the hatchlings, for three weeks.
Where and When?
The Swallow is a summer visitor, and can be found throughout Britain at this time. Swallows migrate thousands of miles, over many countries.
They fly over the sea, forests, mountains and deserts to find a warm place with plenty of food. Many Swallows return to Britain every summer to nest and breed.
They arrive in April and begin their long migration in September or October.
Call/Song
The Swallow sings a fast twittering song with many notes. When it calls to other birds, it makes a highpitched “tswittswit” song.
Length
19 cm.
Fun Fact
Swallows can be seen skimming very low over a pond or lake, as they hunt down flying insects.
House Martin
Delichon urbica
House Martins have similarities to Swallows, but there are differences.
Their wings are shorter, their bodies are plumper and although their tails are forked, they do not have the long streamers that are seen in Swallows.
They are shiny dark blue above, and have white under-parts and rumps.
Habitat
They tend to be seen around buildings. However, you are likely to see them swooping through the air anywhere in Britain.
Food
House Martins love to eat insects, including butterflies.
Nest and Eggs
House Martins build their nest out of pellets of mud, which they spit out. Their saliva holds the clay together.
Unlike the Swallows nest, that of the House Martin is completely enclosed, except for a small entrance-hole at the top.
The nest is built under the eaves of buildings, or under bridges.
House Martins often build their nests close to the nests of many other House Martins. This is unlike the Swallow, which builds its nest away from other Swallows.
Four or five narrow white eggs, with rust- brown spots, are laid.
Where and When?
The House Martin is a summer visitor throughout all of Britain. It arrives in April or May, and sets off again in September, heading south for the sun.
Call/Song
The House Martin’s call and song is soft and twittering.
Length
13 cm.
Fun Fact
Before House Martins began to use buildings, they built their nests on the walls of cliffs and caves.
Some House Martins can still be found nesting in such places.
Sand Martin
Riparia riparia
Sand Martins are so-called because they nest in the sand, and are sandy coloured.
They are also known as Bank Swallows.
Their tails are short.
Habitat
They are often found nesting close to water, with sandy surroundings.
Food
They eat a range of flying insects.
Nest and Eggs
Sand Martins breed in colonies made up of lots of birds. They dig a small tunnel through sandy riverbanks and sand pits.
The nest hole at the end of the tunnel is lined with hay and feathers for comfort and warmth.
Where and When?
Sand Martins, like House Martins and Swallows, are summer visitors to Britain.
Call/Song
The Sand Martin continuously twitters.
Length
12 cm.
Fun Fact
The Sand Martin is the smallest member of the Swallow Family.
