Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

County List:

Rule:

Mixed Forested/Nonforested or Nonforested Landscapes

      (Grass or Any Cropland or Residential or Any Emergent Vegetation or Sedge Meadow)
   containing:
      (Rock Bluffs or Man-made Structure - barns, buildings, bridges, overpasses)
   neighboring:
      (Any Open Water)

Habitat List:

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Literature:

Habitat: This species is primarily a resident of open farmlands, though it is also attracted to the less congested residential areas. The Atlas Habitat Survey found the birds associated with residential sites 53% of the time and in open habitats, such as fields and open water, 40% of the time. These observations reflect the presence of the species in both nesting and foraging habitats. Foraging areas are usually those habitats surrounding the nest site, though cold weather will drive birds to open water habitats more than a mile from their normal feeding areas.

Nesting sites are usually found in farm buildings, under bridges, or on porches or light fixtures of homes where suitable sheltered locations for the placement of nests exist.

This species was undoubtedly restricted in numbers and distribution prior to the settlement of the state and the opening of the mostly forested lands. Natural nesting sites were limited to cave openings or sheltered rock outcroppings which are few within the state. This species benefited greatly from human clearing and building.

Distribution of the Barn Swallow is correlated with the presence of suitable nest sites and open lands generally characterized by agricultural use or semi-rural areas that continue to provide sufficient open space for foraging.

Habitat: Breeding: Farmlands, rural areas.

Special Habitat Requirements: Man-made structures, especially buildings for nesting. Open barns with suitable areas for nest construction on beams.

Habitat: Open or semi-open land, farms, fields, marshes, lakes. May occur in any kind of open or partly open terrain, especially near water, generally avoiding very dry country and unbroken forests. Often breeds around farms, buildings, towns, and forages over fields or ponds.

Diet: Insects. Feeds on a wide variety of flying insects, especially flies (including house flies and horse flies), beetles, wasps, wild bees, winged ants, and true bugs. Also eats some moths, damselflies, grasshoppers, and other insects, and a few spiders and snails. Only occasionally eats a few berries or seeds. Food is mostly captured and eaten in the air. Often forages quite low over water or fields.

Nest: Original natural sites were in sheltered crevices in cliffs or shallow caves. Sites used today are mostly open buildings, under eaves, under bridges or docks, or similar places. Nest is a cup of mud and dried grass lined with feathers.