Swallow Bird: Its Shape And Most Important Features

Swallow bird

The swallow is described as a small bird with narrow, pointed wings, a small beak, and small weak legs. It has feathers in multiple colors, most notably metallic blue and green, and all genera are almost similar in shape in most species. The swallow is also known as a bird. Agile, he spends most of his time in the air and catching insects. Swallows live in nests that they build in trees or through holes that they prepare in the dirt, sand, or clay. They reproduce by laying white or spotted eggs, and they can be seen in almost all parts of the world, with the exception of some areas. The coldest and most remote islands.

Swallows belong to the family of swallows (Hirundinidae), which belong to the order Passeriformes. This family includes more than 90 different species of birds, and more than 19 different genera, and among these species are the sand martin and the barn swallow. Swallow (scientific name: Hirundo rustica), and American cliff tooth ( P. pyrrhonota ).

Behavior of swallows

Despite their different types, most of them are diurnal birds that are active during the day. Some of these species are migratory birds, sometimes traveling thousands of miles on their migration. Some of these species live and nest in large nests within groups known as colonies. There are other species that live alone or live alone. With their mates, the size of the places where swallows live varies depending on their behaviour, as birds that live in colonies have a small range around their nests as their own property.

Diet of swallows

Insects, especially flying insects, constitute an important meal for swallows. They feed on weevils, flies, ants, wasps, bees, and beetles. Most species of swallows share almost the same diet, the basis of which is animal food at a rate of up to 99.8 percent. Some species of swallows also eat grains, fruits, and berries.

Where swallows spread

Swallows of all kinds can be found on all continents of the world, including Antarctica. Some species live only in small ranges, while others are widespread in many places. Many species of swallows are considered migratory birds. They can be found across wide areas during different times of the year. The Barn Swallow, for example, one of the most famous species of swallow, spends its winters in the Southern Hemisphere, then returns to the Northern Hemisphere to breed in the spring and summer.

Swallows breeding

Swallows use different strategies to build their nests, and these strategies differ from one species to another. Some species make homes from the abandoned nests of other birds, while other species build their own nests, either by digging in the soil, finding cavities in trees, or building nests. Of clay, most of these birds lay four or five eggs, and the incubation period varies from one species to another, but it usually lasts for about two or three weeks, and then it is the parents’ duty to take care of the chicks, as the chicks begin to learn to fly when they are three weeks old. almost.

Interaction of swallows with humans

Humans have not domesticated any type of swallow. However, swallows are one of the birds that humans prefer and are encouraged to nest near their property or in gardens and other areas, by building boxes that these birds benefit from in nesting. The reason behind this is This interest in swallows is due to their effective role in getting rid of insects around homes, but on the other hand, there are some species of swallows that are threatened with extinction as a result of some wrong negative human behaviors, such as destroying their living places for various purposes, in addition to the use of pesticides, and their being affected by pollution resulting from Humans.

Various facts about swallows

Swallows have some behaviors that distinguish them from others, the most prominent of which are:

The male Barn Swallow may kill the chicks of another pair in an attempt to separate the pair and mate with the female, and his attempt is often successful.

Some species of swallows get help from other birds in feeding their young.

Swallows sometimes build their nests using clay pellets, wanting to reuse the nests year after year. Building a nest takes a lot of energy; A swallow can make more than 1,000 flights in this process.