Barn swallows are one of nature’s most impressive fliers, instantly recognizable by their sleek blue feathers and most commonly known for their forked tail. Those tails not only make them unique from other swallows, but also contribute to their excellent aerial agility. Swallows can fly up to 40 miles per hour and can swoop incredibly low to the ground or water, making it easy to catch insects.

Speaking of which, when it comes to their diet, barn swallows are true insectivores, performing a crucial role in controlling insect populations. They dine on various flying insects, including flies, beetles and moths, catching them mid-flight with great precision. A single barn swallow can consume thousands of insects daily. So, if you’re not a fan of bugs, you have barn swallows to thank. Without them, there would be a lot more creepy crawlers.

Barn swallows are incredibly adaptable when it comes to their habitat. They are often found in open country, farmlands and near water bodies, wherever their favorite meal is abundant. They build their cup-shaped mud nests under eaves, bridges and in barns, hence their name.

These birds are also known for their extremely long migration journeys. Every year, barn swallows travel thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in North America and wintering habitats in Central and South America. This migration is one of the longest of any North American bird. Their stay in New York is short, usually only from April to September. So enjoy their stay while they’re still here!

Swallows grow pretty quickly. Only about two weeks after the female lays eggs, they hatch. The chicks reach their fledgling stage at about 18 to 23 days old. The young birds are dependent on their parents – who are quite protective and will aggressively defend their nest from intruders – for food and protection until they are strong enough to migrate. Luckily, their survival rate is pretty high.