Barn Swallow

(Hirundo rustica)

 

Barn swallow on the Main Post.

Will Elder, NPS

 

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