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.

A swallow is about the size of a starling and has a slim; small, straight beak and short, dark legs. They usually nest on ledges inside buildings (barns/outhouses). Swallows are rarely seen on ground and regularly perch on wires (rarely in trees). They roost in reed beds before migration.

Both sexes look similar: adult swallows have a red-brown face and a long, deeply-forked tail (this is slightly longer on males). They have glossy blue-black upperparts; a dark breast band; and a pale cream belly/undertail. Juvenile and immature swallows have a pale face and a shorter forked tail.

Swallows are a common breeding species

In flight white spots can be seen across the middle of the tail (visible only when spread); and their dark upperparts and pale underside can be spotted.

Swallows have a very agile/acrobatic flight. They chatter a lot in flight and when they're resting. A swallow makes loud, sharp calls when it sees predators.

Tip of the Week

A barn swallow

Swallows and martins are closely related. The term ‘swallow’ is usually used for long-tailed members of the group while ‘martin’ is used for short-tailed members.

They 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.

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

Birds of Ireland: A field guide By Jim Wilson, with photographs by Mark Carmody