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Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: HIRUNDINIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Barn Swallow Photo

© Fred K. Truslow/CLO

A familiar inhabitant of barns and other outbuildings, the Barn Swallow is easily recognized by its long forked tail. It was originally a cave breeder, but now the swallow nests almost exclusively on man-made structures.

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Appearance

Swallows
Swallows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small slender songbird.
  • Tail long and forked.
  • Upperparts steely iridescent blue.
  • Underparts rufous.

Immature Description

Juvenile looks similar to adult, but tail shorter and less forked. Underparts paler.

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Barn Swallow Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Only North American swallow with a long forked tail.
  • Cliff Swallow can be confused with short-tailed juvenile Barn Swallow. Cliff Swallow has a square tail, a pale collar around the nape, a pale rump, and is less rusty.