Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Resources
Status
- BC: Yellow – S4B (2022)
- COSEWIC: Special Concern
- SARA: Threatened (2017)
- Global: Secure (2016)
- Galiano Island Status: Confirmed
Description
Small, black and orange swallow with striking flight profile. Feeds on insects in spectacular fashion.
Habitat
Open habitats, usually near wetlands. Nests in barns, under bridges, in caves, or on crevices. Often returns to the same nesting area each year.
Range
Migrates between South America and North America.
Threats
Gradually declining for reasons that are not well understood. Climate change, changes in aerial insect populations, draining of wetlands, habitat loss through demolition of structures that are favoured for nesting, and agricultural intensification are potential causes.
Galiano Status
Populations have been documented across Galiano Island.