Backyard Birds: Barn Swallow

I was working in the yard, and looked up to find this beautiful bird perched on my gutter.  I had no idea what type of bird it was.  It was new to my backyard.  What really caught my attention was how the feathers seem glossy and the fork tail.  So,  I went inside to check out my backyard birds handbook.   After doing my research, it appeared to be a female Barn Swallow.  Today, I’m going to share a few facts about Barn Swallows.  Fortunately, I have another bird to add to my  attracting backyard birds list.

barn swallows

I thought she was absolutely beautiful.  She sat regal on the gutter, and allowed her distinctive features to be admired.  Look at the long, forked tail and the color around the head and beak.  The top of the head was a bluish/black color.  Around the beak and throat was an orange color.  Her glossy feathers stood out; she was quite striking.

 

How to Attract Barn Swallows

 

 

Also, she had her baby with her.  However, the baby disappeared when I opened the door to go inside to get the camera and phone. Interestingly, momma bird seemed pretty content right where she was.  When I googled the features of a Barn Swallow, I learned some interesting facts.  They like to build their nest under eaves.

 

Facts about Barn Swallows:

  • Barn Swallow migrate between South America and North America.  No this is not a typo, they can travel 14,000 miles between winter and summer.
  • They usually live around 8 years.
  • Insects are a favorite.  They feed mostly in flight since insects are a large portion of their diet.  However, they will eat egg or oyster shells from a platform feeder.  Especially, in the spring.
  • Barn Swallows make their nests are made of mud and grass.  They are usually built on man made structures.
  • Barn Swallows habitat across most of the country.
  • They are very difficult to attract.  They like to be near streams, ponds and other sources of flowing water.  (My wet weather stream just happened to be running after 4 inches of rain).  Lucky me!

 

As I was writing this post I spotted a male Barn Swallow.  It was just as beautiful, but it was more black and blue in color.  Yet, the orange color on his breast was more defined than the females.  The male was gathering mud from my stream bed.  Again, Barn Swallows build their nest out of mud and grass.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me.  I am glad that I was able to get an opportunity to see this beauty up close and person.  According to what I have read, it is  rare to get this close to them.  I hoped you enjoy the facts about Barn Swallows.  What backyard birds are prevalent in your area?  You may also like:

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Comments

  1. @KC Waddell – I Googled the House Finch and I have a yard full of them too. They're at my safflower feeder.  You must post a few of your pictures.  Thanks for stopping by. 

  2. He really is beautiful! My backyard has been very active lately and for the first time in my 9 years in this house we have house finch! Google them, they are beautiful and they sing so pretty. I've been taking way to many pictures lately!

  3. @Janet Coffield – I started bird watching last year and I love it.  I hope to share more pictures in the future.  Thanks for stopping by. 

  4. I love nature and animals. Thank you for sharing. 🙂