en/sustainability/biodiversity/animals/birds/barn-swallow/1695

Biodiversity

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Barn swallow
Hirundo rustica | Linnaeus, 1758

Characterization: Small species measuring about 15.5cm in length. It has a long tail that is deeply incised and crossed by a white stripe, while young individuals have a far shorter tail, a pale rufous side, and whitish forehead and abdomen.

Distribution: This species occurs throughout Brazil, sometimes in the hundreds and thousands, from September to March. In October (Amapá) and November (Rio de Janeiro) immature specimens usually predominate, in March (Rio de Janeiro) adults, and their migrations go all the way to Tierra del Fuego.

Habitat: Countryside, quagmires, and farms.

Habits: This is a diurnal and migratory bird species that lives in pairs and becomes restless at dawn and dusk, increasing its chirp and singing until settling down in the nest where the couple usually sleeps.

Diet: Carnivorous, strictly insectivorous, eats termites, ants, flies, and even bees.

Breeding: This bird lays 3 to 4 eggs, twice a year.

In the UFRA area: This species had a medium spatial distribution, having been seen in exotic woods, wetlands with herbaceous plants, restored native forests, and drainage ditches. It is considered an infrequent species, as it was spotted only ten times.