Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

Barn Swallow (male) © Greg Lavaty

Family: (Hirundinidae) Swallows

Preferred Habitat: Fields, open country

Seasonal Occurrence: Common spring through fall. Nests in our area.

Notes: Barn Swallows may be easily distinguished from other swallows by their relatively bright colors and impressively long, streamer-like tails. Males have darker breasts than females. The plumage of juveniles is more muted and their tails are shorter. Barn Swallows readily take advantage of eaves under buildings, barns and bridges to build their cup-like nests. Barn Swallows are most common in late summer and fall, especially in coastal regions. The Houston Bird Survey has more information and a distribution map for Barn Swallows.
- Susan Billetdeaux