Barn Swallows

About Barn Swallows

Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) are small, migratory birds renowned for their graceful flight and adaptability to human environments. These birds are widespread across North America and are commonly seen swooping over fields, water bodies, and open spaces. Barn Swallows are known for their acrobatic flying skills, which they use to catch insects mid-air. They often build their cup-shaped mud nests on man-made structures, including barns, under bridges, and on the eaves of buildings, making them a familiar sight in rural and suburban areas.

What Do Barn Swallows Look Like?

Barn Swallows are small birds with a length of about 6 to 7 inches and a wingspan of 11 to 13 inches. They have distinctive blue-black upperparts and a deep chestnut throat and forehead. Their underparts are creamy or light orange. Barn Swallows have long, pointed wings and a deeply forked tail, which aids in their agile flight. Their tail feathers often have white spots, which are visible when they spread their tails. Males and females have similar plumage, but males usually display more vibrant colors, especially during the breeding season.

Facts About Barn Swallows Gestation

Barn Swallows have a breeding season that begins in early spring and can extend through late summer. After forming pairs, the female typically lays a clutch of 3 to 7 eggs in a nest made of mud and grass, which both parents construct. The eggs are incubated for about 14 to 16 days, primarily by the female, while the male assists in feeding her. Once hatched, the chicks are altricial, meaning they are born helpless and require significant parental care. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge from the nest around 18 to 23 days after hatching. Barn Swallows often raise two broods per season, depending on environmental conditions.

Barn Swallows Habitat and Behavior

Barn Swallows are highly adaptable and thrive in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and human settlements. They prefer areas near water, which provide abundant insect prey. These birds are aerial insectivores, catching flies, beetles, and other insects mid-flight. Barn Swallows are social and often nest in colonies, where they engage in communal activities such as feeding and mobbing predators. Their distinctive chattering calls and twittering songs are common sounds in their habitats. During migration, Barn Swallows travel long distances between North America and South America, forming large flocks that can include thousands of individuals.

What Are 5 Unique Facts About Barn Swallows?

1. Barn Swallows are capable of flying up to 600 miles in a single day during migration.
2. They have a strong homing instinct and often return to the same nesting sites year after year.
3. Their long, forked tails improve their maneuverability and speed during flight, aiding in insect capture.
4. Barn Swallows use mud and grass to construct their nests, often attaching them to vertical surfaces in human structures.
5. They can consume large quantities of insects, making them beneficial for controlling pest populations in agricultural areas.

What Are the Problems Related to Barn Swallows?

While Barn Swallows are beneficial for insect control, they can cause several problems when they nest in or around human structures. Their nests, built with mud, can deface and damage buildings, especially when attached to eaves, walls, and beams. The droppings from large colonies can accumulate quickly, creating unsanitary conditions and potential health hazards. Barn Swallows may also aggressively defend their nesting sites, swooping at people and pets who come too close. Additionally, their presence near homes and businesses can attract other pests and create noise disturbances. Effective management is necessary to balance their ecological benefits with the need to protect property and maintain cleanliness.

What Are the Risks Associated with Barn Swallows?

The primary risks associated with Barn Swallows involve property damage and health concerns. Their mud nests can stain and degrade building materials, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. The accumulation of droppings beneath nests can create unsanitary conditions, posing health risks by harboring bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Large colonies can attract other pests, such as mites and insects, compounding the problem. Additionally, Barn Swallows’ defensive behavior around their nests can be intimidating and potentially harmful to people and pets. Managing these risks requires strategies that deter swallows from nesting on buildings while maintaining their beneficial role in controlling insect populations.

Get Rid of Barn Swallows Treatment

To get rid of Barn Swallows, start by removing their nests once the breeding season has ended and the birds have migrated. Clean the affected areas thoroughly to remove mud and droppings. Install physical barriers such as bird spikes, nets, or metal sheeting to prevent swallows from rebuilding nests on your property. Use visual deterrents like reflective tape, scare balloons, or predator decoys to discourage swallows from approaching. Apply non-toxic, sticky repellents to surfaces where swallows commonly attempt to nest. If swallows persist, consider contacting a professional pest control service to implement proper control techniques. Consistent maintenance and monitoring are crucial for long-term success.

Barn Swallows Prevention Advice

Preventing Barn Swallow infestations involves proactive measures and regular maintenance. Install physical barriers like bird spikes, nets, or metal sheeting on structures to deter swallows from nesting. Use visual deterrents, such as reflective tape or predator decoys, to make your property less attractive. Apply non-toxic, sticky repellents to surfaces where swallows commonly attempt to nest. Regularly inspect and clean areas where swallows have nested in the past to remove old nests and droppings. Educate family members and neighbors about the importance of not disturbing active nests, as Barn Swallows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Implementing these preventive measures can help keep your property free from swallow nests and maintain a clean, safe environment.