Sunday, July 24, 2011

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

All The Birds Of North America: Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Found almost throughout the world, the Barn Swallow it familiar and widespread in most of North America. It almost always locates its mud nests on man-made structures, usually choosing buildings that afford some protection from the elements. Extremely graceful in the air, these swallows seem always to be on the move, diving and turning swiftly, and gliding only infrequently.

Identification Blue-black above with rusty or buff underparts (paler in female); tail very long and deeply forked, with white spots near base below. Forehead and throat usually a deeper rust than breast.

Voice A continuous series of twittering and chattering notes; also a liquid slip-lip.

Habitat Open areas, farmland, marshes, lakeshores, and suburban areas; usually near water.

Range Breeds from Alaska, N. British Columbia, and N. Alberta through S. Canada to Nova Scotia, and south in most of United States; absent from Gulf Coast and parts of the Southeast. Winters in South America.

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