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Welcome Swallow

Habitat: Woodland, Wetland, Urban, Grassland, Coastal, Desert

Habitat

Welcome Swallows visit a wide variety of habitats with the exception of the more heavily forested regions and drier inland areas.

 

Behaviour

Welcome Swallows have short bristles at the sides of their mouths which help to guide their food (insects) into their mouths while flying at speed. Welcome Swallows are partially migratory, moving around in response to food availability.

Feeding

Welcome Swallows feed on a wide variety of insects. They catch prey in flight, using their acrobatic flying skills. The prey is guided into the bird’s wide, open mouth with the help of short rictal bristles bordering the bill. These bristles also help protect the bird’s eye. Where insects are in large supply, Welcome Swallows feed in large flocks.

Breeding

Welcome Swallows readily breed close to human habitation. The nest is an open cup of mud and grass, made by both sexes, and is attached to a suitable structure, such as a vertical rock wall or building. The nest is lined with feathers and fur. The female alone incubates the eggs but the young are fed by both parents. Often two broods are raised in a season.