Andy's Mom: Barn swallows

“When the swallows return to Capistrano” . . . Or the barn swallows to the Midwest!

Barn swallows, with their unique distribution across every continent except Antarctica, are a fascinating species to study.

We have These little migratory birds here, winter all the way in the southern hemisphere. Thank goodness they mainly feed while flying, or they’d never complete their trek. They often down 850 insects – large and small – daily. Their favorite insects are large flying ones, like wasps, wild bees, moths, and many species of flies, but they also supplement their diet with smaller insects like mosquitoes, winged ants, and termites. It's not uncommon for them to swoop lower and gobble down grasshoppers, beetles, spiders, and an occasional snail. They only eat insects, no seeds, so don’t expect to see them at your bird feeder.

In the Victorian era (late 1800s), swallows almost saw their doom. Their plumage of steely blue backs, tawny wings with throats, and buff or orange belly and breasts was sought after for decorating women’s hats. Sometimes, the entire bird (taxidermy was popular at the time) nested on the hat! Fortunately, a nature magazine editor named George Grinnell launched a campaign to stop this barbaric practice, and the swallows were saved. Still, barn swallow numbers are down.

Many people find the nesting practices of barn swallows messy. The swallow pair (they mate for life) build mud and dried grass nests, often under the eaves of buildings. Built over a patio or porch, mud and later bird droppings are a problem. It is acceptable to knock down the nest while it is being constructed, but once eggs are laid, please leave it alone until the babies (usually 4-5) have fledged and left the nest.  Note: swallow droppings can carry disease, so try to encourage the swallow pair to construct their home elsewhere. Apple cider vinegar, peppermint, and chili pepper flakes may discourage their nesting nearby.

If you want to attract barn swallows, since they are nature’s natural insecticide, spread oyster shells or crushed, baked (sterilized) egg shells on cement. The swallows will dine on this calcium-rich offering, which they use for their own egg shell production. It also aids in the digestion of some insects with tough exoskeletons.

Try to enjoy these small glossy birds, which often flit back and forth in the evenings. I love seeing them reduce the mosquito population.