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Barn Swallow

(Hirundo rustica)
Size: 14-17 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Barn Swallows migrate to Australia from the north during their non-breeding season. They reach the entire north coast, from about Port Hedland, WA, to Brisbane, QLD. Except in the west of the range, i.e. the Kimberleys and the top end of the NT, where they venture a bit further inland, they are found only on a narrow coastal fringe.

Barn Swallows are usually found in open habitats, such as fields, paddocks, but also in urban environments.

Sightings

Not observed by us in Australia yet, but spotted in Oman.

Photos

No photos from Australia yet, but photographed in Oman.

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Communal Mobility: Migratory Elementary unit: Flock

Food

Like all other swallows known to us, Barn Swallows are insect hunters. They feed in-flight on small insects.

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.