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Presidio of San FranciscoSerpentinite rock on coastal bluff
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Presidio of San Francisco
Barn Swallow
(Hirundo rustica)
 
Barn swallow
Will Elder, NPS
Barn swallow on the Main Post.
 

Natural History: The Barn Swallow's diet primarily consists of insects, but it will occasionally eat berries and seeds. It prefers open country, especially near water. It plasters its mud pellet nests on ledges and walls of buildings or in cliff crevices, often in small colonies.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in all relatively open areas. It breeds within the Presidio.

Frequency: This species is abundant in the summer, spring, and fall.

Identifying Characteristics: This species has a reddish brown throat and a buff to cinnamon underside, separated by a dark, incomplete neck band. The tail is deeply forked.

Presidio Birds main page

Buffalo Soldier Cavalry  

Did You Know?
For some of the Buffalo Soldiers in Roosevelt's Honor Guard, the president's visit to the Presidio was a reunion of sorts. During the Spanish-American War, the 9th Cavalry had fought alongside Colonel Roosevelt's "Rough Riders" at San Juan Hill.

Last Updated: February 23, 2008 at 14:23 EST