Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica
Glossy dark blue barn swallows are a common sight during summer months at the Refuge/Photo Courtesy of Dr. Madeline Kalbach
The barn swallow is a common nesting bird in the Refuge and on the Peninsula. It does not spend the winter here. It tends to build its nests on human-made structures, such as under the eaves of homes and other buildings. It feeds on insects caught while flying.

Facts About Barn Swallow

Deeply forked tail with long outer streamers

Males and females have been known to make 1,000 trips to get mud for their nest

Females choose males with the longest tails and reddest chest color