A deeply forked tail, with long streamers on adults.

Blue upperparts contrast with a rusty forehead and throat.

Underparts are warm buff to cinnamon; young birds have shorter tail streamers.

Follow the tail

On an adult, long outer tail feathers create the deep fork. Perched birds have broad shoulders tapering toward long wings and the tail. Look for blue upperparts and a cinnamon forehead and throat; North American underparts range from buff to rich cinnamon. ^[1]

Allow for younger birds

A young swallow may lack the dramatic streamers of an adult. Females also tend to be less boldly colored. Use several features together rather than rejecting a bird because its tail or color looks subdued. Compare the Tree Swallow using tail shape, forehead, throat, and underparts. ^[1]

Building with mud

Both adults carry mud in their bills, often mixing in grass. The pair builds a cup on a sheltered support, such as a beam, barn rafter, or bridge, then adds a softer lining. A suitable old nest may be repaired and reused. ^[2]

Clutches contain 3–7 eggs. Incubation lasts about 12–17 days, followed by a nestling period of roughly 15–27 days. A pair may raise one or two broods. Leave active nests undisturbed while watching feeding visits from a distance. ^[2]

More than two helpers

Older siblings sometimes help feed a later brood. Unrelated young birds have also been observed helping at a nest. ^[3]

A change in nest sites

Natural sites such as caves once served these birds. In North America, human-made structures now provide most nesting locations. ^[3]

A worldwide traveler

Barn Swallows breed across much of the Northern Hemisphere and spend the nonbreeding season across much of the Southern Hemisphere. Local timing is best checked on the seasonal range map. ^[3]