Barn Swallow

Barn Swallows' song is a constant, cheerful twittering and warbling mixed with mechanical-sounding whirrs and squeaks. It's not a structured melody, more a stream of chatter often ending in a sputtering, high-pitched chirr. They frequently sing in flight or from a perch near the nest. Calls include a sharp 'svit' or 'sweeek' when alarmed (especially if a predator near the nest), and a persistent chattering when congregating.

Summer resident throughout U.S. and Canada. Strongly migratory – most depart North America by fall to winter in South America. Arrives early spring (March-April in many areas) and leaves by mid-fall. A few may linger in extreme southern Florida or along Gulf Coast in winter, but majority gone.

Open areas such as farms, fields, marshes, lake edges, and suburban parks. Often near water which produces insect prey. Nests almost exclusively on human-made structures (barns, under bridges, eaves). Found across North America in summer; winters in Central and South America.

Active by day and migrates mostly in daylight, often feeding as it travels. Spring and summer bring mud-nest building and nonstop food runs; by late summer, large flocks gather before heading south.

A common and agile swallow with a steely blue back, cinnamon-orange throat and forehead, and buffy underparts. It has a deeply forked tail with long outer streamers (especially in males). Often seen swooping low over fields or water catching insects. Builds cup-shaped mud nests on structures.