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Swallows are known to most people as migratory birds. They migrate south in the fall and return in the spring. This text explains exactly when these trains take place.
In a nutshell
- Common Swallow and Barn Swallow are the best known
- both are migratory birds
- House Martin flies a little earlier and comes later
- spend the summer at their established breeding grounds
- in winter in Africa
house martin
- features: dark back, wings and tail, whitish underside
- nutrition: mainly flying insects
- brood: Building breeder, up to two broods per year, up to five eggs
migration behavior
The house martin (Delichon urbicum) returns from its wintering grounds in spring. The times vary not only from place to place, but also from year to year. Most birds return between April and May.
In autumn or even in late summer, the swallows migrate south again. The approaching train can be recognized by birds gathering on wires and poles. Among them are the young birds that have just fully grown. Most martins migrate in September or early October. If it gets cold earlier, they sometimes move south as early as the end of August.
Notice: The house martin is one of the long-distance migrants that also cross the Sahara.
barn swallow
- features: Upper side blue-black, underside light, throat rusty brown
- nutrition: flying insects
- brood: Building breeder, up to three broods, up to five eggs, rarely more
migration behavior
Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) leave a little later than house martins and also come back earlier. The first birds can sometimes be observed as early as March. The main flight takes place between April and mid-May.
At the end of summer, swallows gather in many hundreds and prepare for the journey south, where they winter in Africa. The last animals then left in mid to late October.
Notice: The return is mostly not in the same way as the southbound move. The native bird does not come back in large flocks, but individually.
frequently asked Questions
How can you support Swallows?It is particularly important not to remove any brood nests. If the swallows make too much dirt, dropping boards are an alternative. A natural garden supports the swallows in their search for food.
Are swallows site-loyal?In fact, swallows return to their ancestral breeding grounds every year. As soon as the first swallows can be seen in the sky, you can count on your "own" swallows coming home.
What influences bird migration?Mainly due to weather and climate. If it gets cold earlier, the swallows fly south earlier. How long the bird migration lasts depends on the weather conditions along the way.