UK / EUROPE

Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

Correctly called the Barn Swallow, this bird is synonimous with summer in Britain. In wintwer it migrates to Africa. As its full name suggests it commonly breeds in barns and outbuildings, typically on rafters and ledges where it builds a shallow nest of mud and plant material.


The beautiful blue plumage is hard to appreciate on the wing but seen here at rest it shows the Swallow in its true glory. Dunstanborough Castle, Northumberland, UK.

Ref: Swallow1
16th August 2005


The rusty red throat gives the Swallow its latin name 'rustica'. Dunstanborough Castle, Northumberland, UK.

Ref: Swallow2
16th August 2005

Dunstanborough Castle, Northumberland, UK.

Ref: Swallow3
16th August 2005