Barn Swallow Nests
In northern europe it is the only common species called a swallow rather than a martin.
Barn swallow nests. The barn swallow hirundo rustica is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. The barn swallow builds its nest around human structures in places like barn rafters and under the eaves of houses. Preferred sites include eaves rafters and cross beams of barns sheds and stables as well as the undersides of bridges wharfs and culverts. The barn swallow with its distinctive long forked tail makes it one of the easier north american swallows to identify.
Barn swallows don t come to seed or suet feeders but they may take ground up eggshells or oyster shells placed on an open platform feeder. Nesting swallows build mud nests that can deface and damage the eaves and walls of residential homes and commercial structures. When flying the feathers are swept back and form a single long point behind the bird. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts and a long deeply forked tail it is found in europe asia africa and the americas.
It seems to have adopted humans as neighbors typically placing its nest in barns or garages or under bridges or wharves. If you have a suitable outbuilding leaving a door or window open can encourage barn swallows to build a nest inside. The species is also common across. Providing a source of mud will also help with nest building.
One of our most familiar birds in rural areas and semi open country this swallow is often seen skimming low over fields with a flowing graceful flight. If left in place in the eaves of your home the nest can stain the paint or masonry of the. Barn swallow pairs explore a number of potential nesting spots flying up and hovering to investigate a location then moving to another site before narrowing their choice. Indeed it is now rare to find a barn swallow nest in a site that is not manmade.
Barn swallow habits nesting feeding migration. Providing a simple barn swallow nest box on a vertical wall in the right environment with a source of mud and a source of food nearby is all that is necessary to support the birds in your area.