Songbirds
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
The barn swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world, occurring on all continents, with vagrants reported even in Antarctica. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail.
Glossy blue above, rusty below, with a deeply forked tail; flies low over fields and water.
- Scientific name
- Hirundo rustica
- Group
- Songbirds
- Main color
- Blue
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
The adult male barn swallow of the nominate subspecies H. r. rustica is 17–19 cm (6+1⁄2–7+1⁄2 in) long including 2–7 cm (1–3 in) of elongated outer tail feathers.
Diet
The barn swallow typically feeds in open areas 7–8 m (23–26 ft) above shallow water or the ground often following animals, humans or farm machinery to catch disturbed insects, but it will occasionally pick prey items from the water surface, walls and plants.
Range and habitat
The preferred habitat of the barn swallow is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water.
Voice
Males sing to defend small territories (when living in colonies, less so in solitary pairs) and to attract mates.
More photos
Barn Swallow FAQ
How big is the Barn Swallow?
The adult male barn swallow of the nominate subspecies H. r. rustica is 17–19 cm (6+1⁄2–7+1⁄2 in) long including 2–7 cm (1–3 in) of elongated outer tail feathers.
What does the Barn Swallow eat?
The barn swallow typically feeds in open areas 7–8 m (23–26 ft) above shallow water or the ground often following animals, humans or farm machinery to catch disturbed insects, but it will occasionally pick prey items from the water surface, walls and plants.
How do I identify a Barn Swallow?
Glossy blue above, rusty below, with a deeply forked tail; flies low over fields and water.
Where does the Barn Swallow live?
The preferred habitat of the barn swallow is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearby water.
Is the Barn Swallow endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Barn Swallow as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Barn Swallow (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.