Barn Swallow: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Small but Mighty Flyers · day 5 of 7

Five facts

1. Some barn swallows wintering in southern Africa have been recorded covering up to 11,660 km on their annual migration.
2. Barn swallows drink on the wing, skimming low over water and scooping it up with an open mouth. They bathe the same way.
3. In Nigeria, one barn swallow roost held about 1.5 million birds. Sleeping in huge crowds probably helps keep predators away.
4. Building a nest of mud, hair and other bits takes a pair about two weeks, so old nests are in big demand.
5. Barn swallows typically hunt 7-8 m above water or ground, often following animals, people or farm machinery to catch disturbed insects.

The quiz

1. What is the longest annual migration recorded for barn swallows wintering in southern Africa?

• Up to 1,166 km
• Up to 6,660 km
• Up to 21,660 km
• Up to 11,660 km (correct)

Some have been recorded covering up to 11,660 km on their annual migration.

2. How do barn swallows drink?

• Skimming over water and scooping it up in flight (correct)
• Sipping dew from leaves
• Landing at the shore
• Drinking from puddles

They drink on the wing, skimming low over water and scooping it up.

3. How many birds did the barn swallow roost in Nigeria hold?

• About 150,000
• About 1.5 million (correct)
• About 15 million
• About 15,000

About 1.5 million birds were counted at that one roost in Nigeria.

4. How long does a pair need to build a nest?

• Around 2 days
• Around 2 months
• Around 2 weeks (correct)
• Around 5 weeks

It takes a pair about two weeks to build a nest.

5. What do barn swallows often follow to catch disturbed insects?

• Animals, people or farm machinery (correct)
• Rivers and streams
• Storm clouds
• Migrating geese

They often follow animals, people or farm machinery to catch disturbed insects.

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