Swallows are a varied group of birds belonging to the Hirundinidae family, which stand out, among other things, for their typical way of drinking water and hunting by flying, as well as for being able to feed the chicks while they are also suspended in the air. These flying vertebrates, depending on the species, have a wide distribution in almost all regions of the world and develop migratory habits according to the season.
Wondering where swallows migrate? Join us in this article on our site and find out all the details about the migration of swallows.
Why do swallows migrate?
Swallows are insectivorous animals, which indicates that their diet depends largely on the availability of insects for sustenance, since, although they may include some seeds or fruits in their diet, this is not really significant.
In this sense, various species of swallows inhabit places with seasons where the winters become strong enough that insects are less available, so these birds are forced to migrate to spend these seasons in latitudes where they can not only feed properly, but also reproduce and provide food to their chicks. They also migrate in those types of habitats that, despite not experiencing a significant drop in temperature, do present seasonal changes dominated by rain or its absence, which ultimately also has an impact on the availability of resources for their subsistence.
In this way, the swallows migrate in order to be able to face the winter seasons that affect the availability of food for these birds and the maintenance of their young.
Swallow Migration Season
The date of migration of swallows is determined in many countries by the onset of winter Thus, for example, we find a of the most typical swallows, the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), which has a cosmopolitan distribution and is capable of spreading widely when it migrates during the winter season. Their customs as migrants, in these cases, begin around the month of December in those regions that begin their winters at this time, which correspond to those located towards the northern hemisphere. On the other hand, the barn swallow (Riparia riparia) has similar habits, so that when winter begins it moves towards southern latitudes We must take into account that, in both cases, are species that are present in America, Asia and Europe.
Although many swallows migrate, certain species of this family of birds, which inhabit tropical and subtropical areas, are not migratory. Among others, we can mention some examples:
- White-banded Swallow (Aticora fasciata)
- Black-collared Swallow (Pygochelidon melanoleuca)
- Pale-footed Swallow (Orochelidon flavipes)
However, it is not an aspect that should be generalized because there are species that also inhabit this type of latitude and do have migratory behaviors that, although they are associated with seasonal changes, do not correspond to snowfall, but in times of rain and drought.
Swallow Migration Route
Now, surely you have wondered what the migration of swallows is like, and in relation to that we tell you that everything will depend on the place where these birds live. In this way, let us know some cases:
Barn Swallow Migration
When winter comes, the barn swallow that lives in Europe moves to spend this season in sub-Saharan Africa However, there are cases of certain swallows that can stay in the south or west of the continent. In this sense, the route would include leaving through the south of Europe to enter through the north of Africa.
On the other hand, those swallows of this species that are found in East Asia, move towards the south of the same continent; those in North America move to the southern part of the region, preferring to do so across open fields and generally along routes that include being near water or mountain ridges. Eventually, some individuals remain as vagrants on certain islands that are located in transit to South America.
Swallow Swallow Migration
Another example of swallow migration is found in the Barn Swallow. The Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) also has a wide distribution, such that those located in North America move throughout the southern region of the continent, particularly from the coastal slopes of Mexico downwards. In some cases, they can enter certain islands of the Antilles.
Migration of Eurasian Swallows
As for Eurasian swallows, they range from the British Isles, through all of Scandinavia, including both northern Russia and Siberia, as well as the Mediterranean in the south, the Middle East, the coast of Africa, India and Pakistan, as far as eastern China and JapanIn this way, during the winter they are kept in the Arabian Peninsula and Africa, also including Madagascar. In addition, some groups reach South and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.
Tree Swallow Migration
We can also mention the case of the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), which is found in North America, specifically towards Alaska, Canada and certain areas of the United States. When winter sets in, you can follow various routes to reach the central or Caribbean region of the continent:
- One of the paths to follow includes the Rocky Mountains on the western side.
- Another route consists of traveling through the center between large mountainous areas and with the presence of bodies of water represented by lakes.
- The third route is to the east, which also includes various lakes.
As you can see, there is no single migration route for swallows, since it depends entirely on each species and, therefore, on the place in the habitat and where it is headed.
When do the swallows arrive in Spain?
Spain is one of the areas where these birds commonly inhabit at certain times of the year. In this sense, the swallows arrive in Spain in spring and will remain all summer, which coincides with the reproductive increase of various insects that constitute the diet of these birds.
An important aspect is that, given the effects of climate change, migratory birds such as swallows the times in which they leave or arrive from the areas where they carry out their activities have been changing. Undoubtedly, this is an aspect that must be monitored because it has a direct impact on the reproduction of swallows and, therefore, on their population index.
If you live in one of the places where swallows migrate to nest, keep in mind that in many of them their nests are protected.
