Barn swallows are beautiful birds that are a joy to watch. With their long, forked tails and bright colors, they stand out against the sky as they swoop and dive. Many people enjoy having barn swallows nest on their property and will install specialized birdhouses to attract them.
Barn Swallow Facts
Here are some key facts about barn swallows:
- Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
- Length: 5.9-7.5 in
- Wingspan: 11.8-13.8 in
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz
- Lifespan: 2-3 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivity
- Diet: Insects caught in flight
- Habitat: Open areas near water, barns, bridges
- Range: North America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa
- Migration: Migrates long distances between breeding and wintering grounds
- Nest: Mud nest built on vertical surfaces
- Eggs: 4-5 white eggs with brown speckles
As their name suggests, barn swallows often nest inside barns and other structures. However, they will also readily use artificial nest boxes.
Choosing a Location
When installing a barn swallow birdhouse, carefully consider the location:
- Place the house on the exterior vertical wall of a building, under an overhang
- Choose an area sheltered from wind and rain
- Make sure there is a clear flight path to and from the entrance
- Position 12-20 ft off the ground
- Face the entrance where it will get morning sun
- Avoid high-traffic areas around doors or windows
Ideally, place several houses together to form a small colony. However, be sure to space multiple houses 6-15 feet apart horizontally.
Birdhouse Design
Here are some key elements to look for in a barn swallow birdhouse:
- A box or platform shape with an open front
- Made of durable and weather-resistant material like wood or plastic
- Interior perches for adults and young
- Rough interior surface for nest attachment
- Entrance hole 2-2.5 inches across
- Ventilation and drainage holes
- Removable roof or side for monitoring and cleaning
The interior floor space should be approximately 6 inches by 6 inches or larger. The house should be at least 8 inches deep from front to back.
Here is an example of a good barn swallow birdhouse design:
This box has a slanted roof and extended eave overhang to protect from rain. The rough wood interior provides grip for nests. It is also large enough for a complete nest with room for the parents and hatchlings.
Mounting the House
To mount the barn swallow house:
- Screw a wooden board into the wall as a base
- Attach the house to the base using screws through the back or wire
- Make sure screws and wire are flush or internal so there are no hazards
- Optionally, add a layer of wood or metal over the base for extra protection
For multiple houses in a row, mount all the bases first. Then attach the houses spaced evenly apart.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important for a successful barn swallow house:
- Monitor the nest periodically, being careful not to disturb the birds
- Remove old nests and droppings at the end of season
- Clean the house with soap and water using gloves
- Make any necessary repairs before the next breeding season
- Apply fresh wood preservative or sealant if needed
It’s best not to disturb nests and eggs during spring and summer while the birds are actively using the house.
Attracting Barn Swallows
Here are some tips to attract barn swallows to a new birdhouse:
- Have the houses up by early spring before migration
- Ensure good visibility from flight paths
- Consider adding a decoy nest inside from another structure
- Provide a water source like a fountain or bird bath
- Put up houses in pairs or groups if possible
It may take a season or two for the birds to discover and accept a new house. Be patient as they investigate the nesting spot.
Alternatives to Birdhouses
In addition to birdhouses, here are some other options for attracting nesting barn swallows:
Nest Shelves
You can install wooden shelves along beams or under eaves and overhangs. These provide flat surfaces for the birds to build mud nests on.
Artificial Nests
Ready-made artificial mud nests can be purchased or made. Place these on shelves or boards. The nest cups make sites more attractive.
Nest Cups or Bowls
Small clay bowls are commercially available for swallow nest anchors. You can also make DIY versions from clay or wood. Hang these from beams or mount on boards.
Mud Piles
Providing mud puddles or piles helps with nest building. Create these areas by digging shallow pits and filling with dirt/clay mix and water.
Dealing With Problems
Here are solutions for some common issues with barn swallow nesting sites:
Unwanted Nests
Barn swallows may occasionally build nests in inconvenient locations around buildings. Discourage this by cleaning up mud early in the process. You can also install boards or lattice above ledges and eaves to prevent nest attachment.
Parasites
Mites and other parasites can become an issue in swallow nests. Monitor for problems and contact wildlife professionals if you have concerns. Never apply chemicals or insecticides yourself.
Predators
Snakes, raccoons, and rodents may try to access swallow nests. Use predator guards to keep out unwanted visitors. Metal cones or tubes around poles and wires can help deter snakes.
House Sparrows
Aggressive house sparrows compete with barn swallows for nest sites. Continuously remove their nests as they try to establish themselves.
Severe Weather
High winds, hail, or heavy rain can damage nests. If this occurs during egg incubation or with hatchlings, the colony may fail. There’s not much you can do except rebuild/remount houses.
Alternative Species
If barn swallows don’t show an interest, consider trying a house for one of these other species:
Purple Martin
Larger cousin to the swallow with gorgeous iridescent color. Requires multi-room houses.
Eastern Phoebe
Plain brown flycatcher that readily nests on shelves under roofs and eaves.
Eastern Bluebird
Bright blue and rusty red birds that use nest boxes in open fields and meadows.
House Finch
Colorful songbirds that build messy nests on any ledges or cavities they can access.
Cliff Swallow
Similar to barn swallows but they build enclosed mud nests in colonies on cliffs or buildings.
Enjoying Barn Swallows
Barn swallows are very social birds that bring joy with their aerial acrobatics hunting insects. Their mud nest construction is interesting to observe through the season. Nest boxes are relatively easy to maintain for years of enjoyment watching swallow families successfully raise young.
With proper birdhouse placement and design, you can attract these special birds to nest on your property. Observe their behaviors but be careful not to disturb nesting and breeding activities.
Barn swallows eat huge numbers of flying insects like flies, mosquitoes, and beetles. Having them around helps control pest populations. They are fun to watch as they expertly swoop and dive through the air.
So install some barn swallow houses and shelves this season. Enjoy their beauty and entertaining aerial displays. Just be sure to follow proper guidelines and provide them a safe nesting space free of predators and hazards.
Conclusion
Barn swallows are highly desirable backyard birds that nest in specialized houses mounted on vertical walls. Proper placement in open, sheltered areas and clean box design with a roughly textured interior will attract these insect-eating birds. Maintain the houses while avoiding disturbance and take steps to prevent competition from invasive species. Following these guidelines allows you to enjoy watching barn swallows successfully raise young on your property.