A small breeding population of barn swallows in Gozo

Abstract

The Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica (in Maltese Ħuttafa) is a member of the family Hirundinidae. (swallows and martins). It is well adapted for a life in the air. The adult bird has long pointed wings and a deeply forked tail with long streamers. It is bluish-glossy black above and white or buffish white below, with a small bluish-black breast band and a dark red throat and forehead. When it spreads its tail it shows white spots on the outer tail feathers. It has small, short legs and a small bill but with a large gape. Sexes are alike but the male has noticeably longer tail steamers. Its diet consists of insects which it exclusively catches in the air.