table of contents
- House martin
- Barn swallow
- frequently asked Questions
Swallows are known to most people as migratory birds. They move south in the fall and come back in the spring. This text explains exactly when these trains take place.
In a nutshell
- The house martin and barn swallow are best known
- both are migratory birds
- House martin flies a little earlier and comes later
- spend the summer in traditional breeding grounds
- in winter in Africa
House martin
-
characteristics: dark back, wings and tail, whitish underside
-
nourishment: mainly flying insects
- Brood: Building breeders, up to two broods per year, up to five eggs
Migratory behavior
The house martin (Delichon urbicum) comes back from its wintering areas in spring. The times vary not only from place to place, but also from year to year. Most birds return between April and May.
In autumn or even in late summer the swallows move south again. The imminent train can be recognized by birds gathering on lines and masts. Among them are the young birds that have just grown up. Most house martins move away in September or early October. If it gets cold earlier, they sometimes move south as early as the end of August.
Note: The house martin is one of the long-distance migrants who also cross the Sahara.
Barn swallow
-
characteristics: Blue-black upper side, light underside, throat rust-brown
-
nourishment: Flying insects
- Brood: Building breeders, up to three broods, up to five eggs, rarely more
Migratory behavior
Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) leave a little later than house martins and also come back earlier. The first birds can sometimes be seen as early as March. The main flight takes place between April and mid-May.
At the end of summer, the swallows gather in their hundreds and prepare for the journey to the south, where they winter in Africa. The last animals moved away from mid to late October.
Note: The return is usually not made in the same way as the train to the south. Of the domestic bird does not come back in large groups, but individually.
frequently asked Questions
It is particularly important not to remove any brood nests. If the swallows make too much dirt, manure boards are an alternative. A near-natural garden supports the swallows in their foraging.
In fact, swallows return to their traditional breeding grounds every year. As soon as the first swallows can be seen in the sky, you can expect that your “own” swallows will also come home.
Mainly due to weather and climate. If it gets cold earlier, the swallows fly to the south earlier. How long the bird migration lasts depends on the weather conditions on the way.