Swallows, in family Hirundinidae, are found in all parts of the world. One of the 53 species, the Barn Swallow, is found world-wide and will be well known to all birders. Perhaps like me you imagined that all Swallows are found near water where they fly low catching insects in flight. The Welcome Swallow in Australia, the Northern Rough-winged Swallow in Arizona and the White-winged Swallow I saw in Trinidad are certainly typical of this expected behaviour.
Just to be different the Tree Swallow, which I photographed in Vermont, USA forages for insects but will actually take berries as well.These birds are very adaptable in terms of habitats. In Costa Rica the Mangrove Swallow favours water and fields in lowland areas whereas the Blue & White Swallow is common at higher elevations.
In South Africa the White-throated Swallow likes open country where it perches on a post before flying out to catch insects.
The Greater Striped Swallow also likes open country but avoids woodlands and forests. In contrast the Lesser Striped Swallow likes woodlands from sea level to 2200 metres.
However the Red-rumped Swallow (right), favours high elevation with cliffs for nesting but is happy to forage for insects on arid ground as shown in this photograph taken at Monfrague, Extremadura in Spain. Perhaps it was attracted by the easy pickings left by visitors to the Monfrague castle. Note - you can click on this picture to see a bigger image.
Of course, if you know your Swallows well, you will not be surprised by any of the above. Perhaps you can add a few more interesting habitats which these adaptable birds can be found in.
NOTE - you can view this document with more images by clicking on the blue "Files" at the bottom of the page and then clicking on the file called SWALLOWS. It would be good to know which route people prefer.
