Barn Swallow

Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica

Population Estimate: 190M, Least Concern status

Range / Habitat: Most common swallow world wide, throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and into northern Australia. Breeding is in the Northern Hemisphere summer with winters in the Southern Hemisphere. Nests in barns and other man-made structures. 

Field Notes: Iridescent blue on top, rufous chin, and light brown underneath with a long, forked tail. The Cliff Swallow can look similar but lacks the long forked tail, is generally white on the breast, and has a white forehead mark. Easily distinguished from other swallows in flight by its long forked tail.

Personal Notes: One of our best bird pictures to date!