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The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is of the family Hirundinae which is in the genus Hirundo . It is a summer
resident which breeds in the Northern Hemisphere. There are small
sedentary populations in some of the tropical parts of this range but
during the summer it is mainly absent from the Indian sub-continent and South
East Asia. This common and widespread insectivorous species feeds exclusively on small flies and
midges.
In late autumn with the onset of colder weather, when its prey items
begin to diminish, it migrates south to its wintering areas. The North American population winters in Central and South America. The Eurasian population winters in sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian sub-continent, South East Asia and parts of Northern Australia.
In early spring the return migration north begins. At least six
races are recognised.
There are 74 species of hirundines which includes Swallows and Martins. In additional, the only known record of the Red Sea Cliff Swallow (Hirundo perdita) was of one found dead at Sanganeb Lighthouse, Sudan in May 1984.
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds
