Bird Basics
Swallows
Barn
(Hirundo rustica)
and
Tree
(Tachycineta bicolor)
Habits
Swallows
are some of the best fliers out there, soaring
overhead in large circles, swooping within
a few inches of rooftops; all in efforts
to catch as many flying insects as possible.
Identification
Barn
Swallows are the most common swallow in
the world, and are probably the most colorful:
iridescent blue with an orange-ish or rufous
upper chest and neck, and a long forked
tail. The Tree Swallow is gorgeous
in a more subtle way, possessing iridescent
bluish-green feathers with a smooth white
underside. To aid their flight, swallows
are known for their longer tails.
In fact, according to Cornell's Lab of Ornithology,
the length of a Barn Swallow's tail may
actually assist it in its search for a strong
female mate.
Nesting
Those
of you who grew up on a farm have been swooped
by nesting Barn Swallows. They prefer
man-made structures and will build a nest
of mud and grass that clings to the side
of rafters, overhands and highway underpasses.
Tree Swallows on the other hand, are marsh
and field birds and although originally
cavity nesters, will often nest in a provided
nest box.
Range
The
Tree Swallow remains the furthest north
of any swallow during the winter season,
often remaining in the lower midwestern
states throughout the year. The Barn
Swallow, on the other hand, travels probably
the furthest to southern Central American
and all throughout South America.
Diet
Both
birds rely heavily on flying insects, Barn
Swallows in fact rely entirely on them.
Tree Swallows have been known to supplement
their diet with berries throughout the cooler
winter months.
Listen
to the Barn Swallow
Listen
to the Tree Swallow
copyrighted
audio file kindly donated by John
Feith
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