Barn Swallow

birds · migration · acrobatic fliers · worldwide

Found everywhere. Barn swallows live on every continent, making them the most widespread swallow species in the world. Scientists have even spotted them as far away as Antarctica.

Striking appearance. These birds have shiny blue-black feathers on their heads and backs, with a distinctive long tail that splits deeply down the middle, like a fork. This forked tail helps them twist and turn through the air with amazing agility.

Loves human homes. Barn swallows get their name because they often build mud nests inside barns, sheds, and under the eaves of houses, living close to people.

Part of swallow family. In Europe, the barn swallow is so common that it's the main bird people think of when they say 'swallow.' In other parts of northern Europe, they call the barn swallow just 'swallow' while other swallows go by different names.