Swallows are migratory and flock in large numbers in September ready to fly to Africa, south of the Sahara. In early April, they return to the UK often roosting communally in reed beds outside of the breeding season. Adult birds are similar in appearance although males have noticeably longer tail streamers. Swift and agile in flight, they are insectivorous, plucking insects from the air as they go. To rehydrate whilst flying they simply skim the surface of a body of water.

Did you know?
Barn swallows feed their young up to 400 times a day.

How to identify swifts, swallows and martins.


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