Barn Swallow

The Barn Swallow is a sleek, aerial insectivore recognized by its deeply forked 'swallow-tail' and cobalt-blue upperparts. These feathers represent the iconic streamers that help the bird perform high-speed acrobatic maneuvers while hunting flies in mid-air.

Deep iridescent blue-black or brownish-black distal tip with a starkly contrasting white subterminal band (the 'window'). The base of the feather remains white or light cream.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure throughout the vane for aerodynamic efficiency; plumulaceous (fluffy) barbs are present only at the very base near the calamus.

The rachis is relatively thick and stiff at the base to support the long streamer, tapering to a fine point. It is dark where the barbs are black and transitions to a pale color in the white section.

Smooth, glossy, and aerodynamic. The black portions often exhibit a subtle blue or green structural iridescence when viewed in direct sunlight.

These are the outermost tail feathers (R6). The dramatic length and the placement of the white spot are unique to the outer 'fork' of the swallow's tail.

Elongated, needle-like shape; stark black-and-white 'window' pattern; extreme asymmetry of the vane width.

Open country, farmlands, meadows, and marshes. They are highly dependent on human structures like barns, bridges, and culverts for nesting.

Nearly cosmopolitan. Found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia during breeding season; migrates to South America, Africa, and Australia for winter.

High-level insectivore that consumes thousands of flying insects daily. They are important indicators of ecosystem health and insect population balance.

Cliff Swallow feathers lack the long streamers. Tree Swallows lack the white windows in the tail. The Welcome Swallow (Australia) is similar but has a different range.

The length of these tail streamers is a signal of quality; females prefer males with longer, more symmetrical tail feathers as it indicates better health and resistance to parasites.

Symbolic of spring and hope in many cultures. Historically associated with sailors as a sign that land was near and a symbol of safe return.

Look for these in late summer or early autumn near farm buildings or under bridges where colonies nest and molt before migration.

Excellent condition. The barbs are tightly zipped and the tips show very little wear, suggesting they were molted recently or came from a healthy adult.