Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

Adult Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) at Marais de Sionnet, Switzerland. July 2016. Not baited. Not called in.

Juvenile Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) at Marais de Sionnet, Switzerland. July 2016. Not baited. Not called in.

Juvenile Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) at Marais de Sionnet, Switzerland. July 2016. Not baited. Not called in.

Juvenile Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) in Versoix, Switzerland. August 2015. Not baited. Not called in.

The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is the most widespread and abundant of the 90 swallow species. It is easy to tell the difference between a juvenile and an adult Barn Swallow. 2 main differences:

• Juveniles have a beige, clear orange head whereas adults have a dark red head.

• Juveniles have a much shorter tail.
  

  Within adults, females usually have shorter tail streamers and paler underparts.

Love Nature.
Jonathan