Swallow

Birds / Swallow

Information for Juniors

Common throughout NZ
Introduced to NZ in 1900’s
Small, fast flying bird that is noted for its swift darting circular flights.
Graceful and often alone
Feathers on the upper side are metallic blue/black light grey on the breast and belly and rust coloured forehead
Often has white spots on individual feathers
Has a long, forked tail
Swallows live close to coastal and wetlands but has adapted to suburban life as well
During winter they seek warmer climes
Breeding season is from August to March
The nest is an open cup made of mud and grass with both male and female assisting to build it
The nests interior us lined with feathers
3 -5 eggs are laid per brood – 2 broods per year
Eggs are pinkish in colour with brown speckles
The female incubates the eggs which hatch in 3 weeks
Both parents feed the young who spend about 3 weeks in the nest
Fledglings are completely independent after about 1 month
Young birds can breed after a year
A male and female stay together
Swallows often return to their old nests each year
The birds feed on insects
They swoop low to the ground and catch the insects in flight
Often swallows scoop water while flying when thirsty
Their predators include hawks and cats, rats and stoats love the eggs
They always work as a flock for safety reasons

Information for Junior Secondary

Common throughout NZ
Introduced to NZ in 1900’s
Small, fast flying bird that is noted for its swift darting circular flights.
Graceful and often alone
Feathers on the upper side are metallic blue/black light grey on the breast and belly and rust coloured forehead
Often has white spots on individual feathers
Has a long, forked tail
Swallows live close to coastal and wetlands but has adapted to suburban life as well
During winter they seek warmer climes
Breeding season is from August to March
The nest is an open cup made of mud and grass with both male and female assisting to build it
The nests interior us lined with feathers
3 -5 eggs are laid per brood – 2 broods per year
Eggs are pinkish in colour with brown speckles
The female incubates the eggs which hatch in 3 weeks
Both parents feed the young who spend about 3 weeks in the nest
Fledglings are completely independent after about 1 month
Young birds can breed after a year
A male and female stay together
Swallows often return to their old nests each year
The birds feed on insects
They swoop low to the ground and catch the insects in flight
Often swallows scoop water while flying when thirsty
Their predators include hawks and cats, rats and stoats love the eggs
They always work as a flock for safety reasons

Information for Senior Secondary

Common throughout NZ
Introduced to NZ in 1900’s
Small, fast flying bird that is noted for its swift darting circular flights.
Graceful and often alone
Feathers on the upper side are metallic blue/black light grey on the breast and belly and rust coloured forehead
Often has white spots on individual feathers
Has a long, forked tail
Swallows live close to coastal and wetlands but has adapted to suburban life as well
During winter they seek warmer climes
Breeding season is from August to March
The nest is an open cup made of mud and grass with both male and female assisting to build it
The nests interior us lined with feathers
3 -5 eggs are laid per brood – 2 broods per year
Eggs are pinkish in colour with brown speckles
The female incubates the eggs which hatch in 3 weeks
Both parents feed the young who spend about 3 weeks in the nest
Fledglings are completely independent after about 1 month
Young birds can breed after a year
A male and female stay together
Swallows often return to their old nests each year
The birds feed on insects
They swoop low to the ground and catch the insects in flight
Often swallows scoop water while flying when thirsty
Their predators include hawks and cats, rats and stoats love the eggs
They always work as a flock for safety reasons