Download barn swallow flyer - Bird Studies Canada

Photo: Dan & Lin Dzurisin
Barn Swallow NestWatch
Photo: Alan Vernon
Bird Studies Canada is asking YOU to
monitor Barn Swallow nests!
Although Barn Swallows are still common, their
numbers are decreasing rapidly across Canada.
Between 1999 and 2009, the population declined by
about 30% (according to data from the North
American Breeding Bird Survey). Barn Swallows are
classified as Threatened in Ontario, and they have
been recommended for protection under Canada’s
Species at Risk Act.
Why monitor Barn Swallow nests?
We need to find out if Barn Swallows are declining
due to threats on the breeding grounds, such as
changes in food supply, predation, competition,
and loss of habitat. By monitoring nesting activity
we can gather information on where and when
breeding is occurring, and how successfully Barn
Swallows are producing young. This information can
help us determine what factors may be contributing
to the population decline.
Where do Barn Swallows nest?
Barn Swallows nest in close association with humans,
in and around barns, sheds, and boathouses; under
bridges and in culverts. Nests are built of mud and
grasses, and are often adhered to vertical surfaces
near the ceiling, or under eaves on the outside of
buildings. Barn Swallows sometimes build their nests
on horizontal beams, or on top of ledges, light
fixtures, or other structures that provide additional
support for the nest. The nests are lined with grass,
animal hair, and feathers.
Assistance for this project was
provided by the Government of Ontario
Facts about Barn Swallows
•
Barn Swallows breed throughout the Northern
Hemisphere and winter in most areas of the
Southern Hemisphere.
•
They are the most widely distributed species of
swallow in the world.
•
Barn Swallows originally nested in caves and in
crevices on cliff faces.
•
They feed on flying insects.
How to identify a Barn Swallow
•
Long forked tail
•
Steely-blue back, wings, and tail
•
Underparts pale rufous to cinnamon-coloured
•
Chestnut-coloured throat and forehead
For more information visit
www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/pnw
How to monitor
Barn Swallow nests
Barn Swallow Nesting Stages
Barn Swallows can be found nesting in most rural areas, and some
suburban and urban areas, often in barns and other outbuildings.
Some Barn Swallows nest singly, but many are found in small
colonies. In Canada, Barn Swallows breed from May through August.
PLEASE NOTE: Permission from property owners must be obtained
before searching for nests on private property.
Photo: Whitney Hartshorne
Step 1: Find a Barn Swallow nest or colony.
Step 2: Check nests every 5-7 days.
The female lays a clutch of 3-7 eggs.
Monitor nests throughout the breeding season to gather data on
the number of eggs, how many young hatch, and when the young
have fledged. If you find a Barn Swallow colony try to monitor all of
the active nests, but be sure to keep disturbance to a minimum.
Barn Swallows often nest close to the ceiling, making the nests
difficult to check. Luckily, you can gather a lot of information by
watching from a distance (e.g., an adult sitting on the nest usually
indicates incubation, or small young; an adult carrying food to the
nest indicates nestlings). Once the young are old enough you may
also be able to see and count them from afar.
Photo: Kati Fleming
How to check a Barn Swallow nest:
After being incubated for 12-17 days, the eggs hatch.
Keep in mind! In order to avoid unintentional disturbance to
nesting birds, always approach nests with care and caution. Never
handle eggs or young and avoid touching nests. Don’t approach
Barn Swallow nests with visible young – they can fledge
prematurely if startled when they are close to fledging. Minimize
the amount of time you spend at the nest and in the nest area.
IMPORTANT: If you are interested in monitoring Barn Swallows
using the BSC Project NestWatch protocol, please contact
[email protected] to obtain a copy of the Canadian
Wildlife Service Scientific Permit from Bird Studies Canada.
Step 3: Enter your data online.
For full instructions and to submit your data online go
towww.birdscanada.org/volunteer/pnw and help contribute to a
growing database of information on Barn Swallows across the
country.
Project NestWatch partners:
Provincial and regional
nest record schemes
across Canada
Both parents feed the hungry young in the
nest for 17-24 days.
Photo: Mark Peck
After young fledge, the pair may begin a 2nd clutch, in the same
nest or in a new location. Check back for 2nd clutches after 1st
nests are complete.
Photo: Ken Slade
If you have experience checking nests using a mirror on a pole,
you can use this technique to check Barn Swallow nests. Be sure
you can safely maneuver the mirror without touching the nest.
Once the eggs hatch, observe the nest from a distance only, to
minimize the risk of potential harm to the young.
Fledged young continue to be fed by parents for
several days after they leave the nest.
Many Barn Swallow pairs raise two broods
in one breeding season – repeating the entire process!
For more information visit
www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/pnw