Birds of Ireland: Swallow

Swallows are summer migrants from Africa to Ireland, arriving here in spring and departing in autumn. If the weather is good they will often rear two or even three broods of young.

Swallows spend most of their time on the wing and feed exclusively on insects, which they catch in flight

Swallow (Fáinleog | Hirundo rustica)

Swallows are about 17–22cm long with a wingspan of 32–34cm They are a common breeding species typically seen on farmland here in spring, summer and autumn.