Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

(H. r. rustica)

Armenian Name:	Գյուղական ծիծեռնակ

See Plate 36 for Barn Swallow and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Common
Length:	17-19 cm, Wing Span:32-34.5 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 213.
Description:	Streamlined swallow with long wings and long deeply-forked tail. Upperparts and breast band glossy blue-black. Red forehead and throat. Underparts can vary from off-white to pale reddish. Females, and especially juveniles, have shorter less-forked tails.
Similar Species:	Differs from Red-rumped Swallow (see Plate 61) by entirely dark upperparts, dark breast band, and pale undertail coverts.
Habitat:	Human settlements, farmland; widespread on migration.
Food:	Airborne insects.
Nest:	Mud cup lined with feathers and rootlets on ledge, wall, or overhang of building.
Eggs:	20 mm, 4-5, white, red-brown spots.