The world of swallows

What is a swallow? - A profile
Swallows belong to the Hirundinidae family, a group of birds that is distributed worldwide - with the exception of the polar regions. In Germany, we mainly encounter two species: the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) and the house martin (Delichon urbicum).
Physique and appearance
Swallows are small to medium-sized birds with a slender, streamlined body, long, pointed wings and a characteristically forked tail. This special body structure enables them to fly with a particularly agile style that is perfectly adapted to hunting insects in the air.
Their coloration varies depending on the species: The barn swallow wears a shiny dark blue plumage with a rust-red throat patch and light underside, while the house martin appears in a rather contrasting black and white.
Swallows in flight - elegance with function
Hardly any other bird masters the skies as elegantly as the swallow. Their flying skills are not only beautiful to look at, but also serve a clear purpose: foraging. Swallows are excellent insect hunters and prey on mosquitoes, flies, aphids and other small animals in flight. A single swallow can eat several thousand insects a day - a natural insect protection that is extremely important for the ecological balance.
Migratory birds with wanderlust - the great journey of swallows
What makes swallows particularly remarkable is their instinct for traveling. They are among the best-known migratory birds. In autumn, they leave Europe and fly several thousand kilometers to sub-Saharan Africa to spend the winter there. In spring, they return - often to exactly the same place where they were born or where they have already nested.
These journeys are a masterpiece of navigation. Despite wind, weather and many dangers, swallows find their way year after year. They are guided by the earth's magnetic field, the position of the sun and possibly also by smells or landmarks. A barn swallow can travel up to 10,000 kilometers on its way to Africa - simply impressive!
Cozy under the roof - swallows and their nests
Swallows build their nests from clay, earth, saliva and plant materials, which they collect with great effort. The barn swallow prefers open buildings such as stables or barns, while the house martin attaches its nests to the outside of building walls under eaves.
Nest building can take several days and is a real team effort. Once the nest is finished, it can be used and repaired again and again over the years. This is one reason why the preservation of existing nesting sites is so important for the protection of these species!
Cultural significance and superstition
Swallows have always had a special place in many cultures. In popular belief, they were considered lucky charms, messengers of spring and a sign of a healthy house. If you had swallows under your roof, you could feel safe - they were regarded as protectors against fire and disaster.
In seafaring, they were symbols of homecoming and hope. Sailors often had swallows tattooed on their bodies - as a sign that they would one day return home.
Threatened and yet popular - protecting swallows
Despite their popularity, swallows are under pressure. The loss of habitat, lack of nesting opportunities and a decline in the insect population are causing them problems. Intensive farming, the demolition of old buildings and the disappearance of clay puddles are making nesting and breeding success more difficult.
In Germany, both barn swallows and house martins are under special protection. It is forbidden by law to remove or destroy their nests. Many people are now actively supporting the birds by installing artificial nesting sites or having swallow-friendly houses designated.
Exciting facts about swallows
- Swallows sometimes sleep in flight, especially during migration.
- A swallow weighs only about 20 grams - the equivalent of about four sugar cubes.
- The oldest known swallow found in Germany was a ringed barn swallow that lived to be over 11 years old.
- In some villages, a regular "swallow count" takes place every year to document populations.
- Swallows can fly at speeds of up to 60 km/h - real speed acrobats!
Recognizing swallows - tips for nature lovers
Want to spot swallows yourself? Keep your eyes open in spring and summer, especially in rural areas, on farms or on old buildings with open entrances. They are particularly active in the mornings and evenings. Their characteristic chirping and darting flight style will help you to identify them.
Small birds with a big impact
Swallows are more than just pretty heralds of spring - they are true wonders of nature. Their flying skills, their amazing migration routes and their proximity to humans make them one of the most fascinating birds in Europe. At the same time, they remind us how important it is to protect our environment and its tiny inhabitants.
And now it's your turn!
Have you ever watched swallows building a nest? Or maybe you even have a nest in your home? Feel free to let us know in the comments - we look forward to hearing your experiences and stories about these amazing celestial acrobats!