How to Identify a Barn Swallow

Identifying a barn swallow is a fun task for the aspiring ornithologist. These small birds once lived exclusively in caves before the introduction of barns and outbuildings. They can now be found almost everywhere from North, Central and South America.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Binoculars
• Patience

1. Know that barn swallows are a small, fast bird that nests in outbuildings, barns and oftentimes chimneys.

2. Notice that the barn swallow is a slender bird with a long, forked tail. The males and females are very close in resemblance, yet the male shows a longer streamer on its tail. It has a small black beak and very tiny feet.

3. See that this bird's feathers are a beautiful iridescent blue color that almost exhibit a "steel" look. The male generally has a deeper tan or chestnut color to its under parts. Young barn swallows are smaller than the adults with paler, chestnut-colored under parts.

4. Listen for the barn swallow. The song will be a squeaky affair with long twittering portions followed by a dry rattle rasp.

5. Find the barn swallows' nests by looking at overhangs, building eaves and under decking. The nest is comprised of mud and grass and lined with fine grass, hair and feathers.

Tips & Warnings

• Look in areas that have an abundance of what the barn swallow needs to survive. The bird eats small insects and needs mud to build nests. Agricultural and rural areas with outbuildings for nesting are ideal for barn swallow watching.
• Get permission from any landowners before venturing after a barn swallow.
• Prevent getting lost when bird watching. Take a cell phone and a portable GPS unit at all times.

Resources

• Visit the Cornell Ornithology website.
• Read an archive of articles about barn swallows from American Artifacts.

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