Blog Archive: Swallows

Today we’re adding a species of swallow to our Birdorable family. Today’s new bird is the White-rumped Swallow!

These swallows are found in parts of Brazil, Argentina, and neighboring countries in South America. Some White-rumped Swallows are migratory; northern birds are sedentary but southern birds will head north for the winter, once breeding season is over.

Speaking of non-breeding season, these usually solitary birds will form mixed swallow feeding flocks in the winter, numbering 100 or more individual birds. They feed on the wing, taking aerial prey like flying ants, dragonflies, and flies.

Tomorrow’s new Birdorable is a species of waterfowl in a family that is named for their calling sound. The species we’re adding has a range over two continents and is named for the color of its face. Can you guess what it is?

If you think our Birdorable birds are cute as adults, what about when they are babies? Below are some baby photos (shared via Flickr Creative Commons) of the Barn Swallow. Barn Swallows build a nest of mud, often on a man-made structure. Both the male and female build the nest, which is fortified with blades of grass. The nest is then lined with softer material, like grass and feathers. The baby birds hatch after about two weeks of incubation, and fledge from the nest after another three weeks or so.

Barn swallow nest (CC BY 2.0)

Barn swallow in the nest (CC BY 2.0)

Baby barn swallos (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Barn swallow fledling (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Mama barn swallow feeds her little ones (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Barn swallows (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Barn swallow nest (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Barn swallows (CC BY 2.0)

Baby barn swallows (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Young barn swallows (CC BY 2.0)

Barn swallow (CC BY 2.0)

If you think our Birdorable birds are cute as adults, what about when they are babies? Below are some baby photos (shared via Flickr) of the Purple Martin. Purple Martins nest in cavities, and today they breed almost exclusively in man-made nestboxes, usually arranged communally in a condo-style setup. Clutch size typically ranges from three to six eggs. Incubation lasts from 15 to 18 days and the babies fledge 28 or 29 days after hatching.

Coolest purple martin house ever by tapescraper

Purple Martins by mauricholas/ Maureen Leong-Kee

Purple Martin Eggs - First Clutch of the Year by OakleyOriginals

First Hatchlings of the Year by OakleyOriginals

Purple Martins, Just Hatched by OakleyOriginals

Purple Martins, Days Old by OakleyOriginals

purple martins by mmarchin

Purple Martin Fledglings by OakleyOriginals

Fly Purple Martin Fledglings! by OakleyOriginals

Purple Martin Fledgling by OakleyOriginals

Purple Martins; females and fledglings by rengel134

Most of the photos shared here were probably taken by Purple Martin landlords. To learn more about how to help these birds, visit the Purple Martin Conservation Association. And be sure to check out our Birdorable Purple Martin t-shirts and gifts!

For 18 days we're adding a new Birdorable bird every day as part of our Birdorable Bonanza 2010. Today's bird is the Tree Swallow! Tree Swallows are relatively common North American breeding birds that nest in cavities. They will use nestboxes when natural cavity nesting sites are unavailable. Tree Swallows are extremely agile in flight. They are adept at catching their primary food - insects - on the wing.

Tree Swallow Closeup by Phil Armishaw

Birdorable Tree Swallow Organic Grocery Tote	Birdorable Tree Swallow EDUN LIVE Toddler T-Shirt

Tomorrow's bird is a critically endangered bird that is endemic to Bali, Indonesia. Can you guess what it will be?

This new Birdorable spends much of its time in the air catching flying insects. It even gets its water while flying by skimming over the surface and scooping up water with its bill. The Barn Swallow can be found almost all over the world, from Europe to Asia and Africa to the Americas. The title of this article is actually a quote from a movie in which James Stewart goes out birdwatching and every time he asks his companion "What kind of bird is that?", the answer is always "Barn Swallow!". Do you know what movie I'm talking about? Barn Swallows build cup-shaped nests in accessible buildings such as barns, stables and under bridges. Look at these cute babies in their nest waiting for mom or dad to come back with a snack:

Photo by georgesr58

Barn Swallow is the answer to yesterday's Spot the Birdorable.