Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a small, agile bird known for its distinctive deeply forked tail and iridescent blue and rusty orange plumage. Found worldwide, it often builds its nests in barns, under eaves, and other human-made structures. Barn Swallows are skilled fliers, catching insects in midair, which makes them a valuable part of the ecosystem by helping control pest populations. They migrate seasonally, traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. Their cheerful chirps and graceful flight patterns are commonly seen in rural and suburban areas, symbolizing the arrival of warmer weather.