Things you need to know about SWALLOWS!

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you for watching this video and taking a look at the comments! If you would like to support me to make even more videos, please consider my Patreon which can be found here> www.patreon.com/ashotofwildlife Cheers.

[@teresacrowley4076]

I just love to see the swallows return every year. Thanks Liam for yet another informative video!

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you. I agree, one of my favourite times of year and a sign that summer is on its way!

[@frro28]

I am from South Africa. I Have a swallow's nest under the roof of my house's front entrance that has been there since 1993. It has been occupied every year since. Always love to see the gatherings before they leave every winter. One of the most precious birds in my opinion.

[@JohnzzzView]

This is very interesting to know that they are laying their different sets of offspring over such a large distance apart. Amazing creatures.

[@DudeOneThree]

Some birds will pass nests on to younger nesters.

[@Joemamma664]

You might get some from Denmark.. Maybe even the ones that live where i do

[@darugdawg2453]

The problem is droppings

[@vidarvaggen]

Cool! That could theoretically be the swallows from my barn in the middle of Norway. Say hi to them from me!

[@johnniec9097]

For the past twenty years we have seen swallows return to our outhouses on our property in Cambridgeshire. They have thrived and this year have returned and as many as ten nesting rearing two clutches too date . We have seen a population growth in their numbers returning , giving hours of pleasure watching the antics of these little feathered bundles of joy .

[@samsavojbolagi5513]

something so different about Swallows, they look so beautiful, small but travel the world!

[@blxtothis]

I’ve never, ever in my 73 years, seen a swallow perched, only seen them wheeling and diving, in silhouette, while flying. In suburban South London, we see hordes of Swifts and House Martins too but again mostly when they are airborne.

[@michaelp998]

These are the best birds, such a joy to see. I have seen a distinct decline in their numbers over the years, fewer nesting sites available. Luckily we have swallows nesting virtually every year in the barn.👍

[@damienhughes3168]

I have to agree with you, ive seen a decline in numbers here in County Armagh,

[@hotelsierra86]

For 40 years we have had swallows nesting in our barn. First there were 5 pairs,after a few years there were 4 pairs…now we are down to one pair. What will next year bring?

[@AShotOfWildlife]

@hotelsierra86 What did this year bring? I agree, their numbers are definitely declining here too.

[@davidnorwich3771]

We had a bumper number this year in the Scottish Borders. Our swallows had two broods. They have gone south early this year for some reason. Its the end of August and they are gone. Normally it's mid September the leave. You do a great job with these videos. I do enjoy them. Here is a short video about swallows I made this year, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZq4n2einJqipas@@AShotOfWildlife

[@nickrider5220]

When the first Swallows arrive in spring, with their cheery song, it almost brings a lump to my throat - wonderful little birds ❤ It's the males that sing and they have longer tails compared with the females. Love the Swallows, Swifts and Martin's, signalling that summer's coming and just seem to be happy flying, quickly around ! Could you do one on the swift ? their life is even more remarkable if anything.

[@f-godz3342]

Blows my mind that young swifts might not land for 2/3 years. Astonishing creatures.

[@rebeccaradford7982]

Well Said

[@shiva72945]

@@f-godz3342 Only the swift do this, which are not real swallows. They do l;and though, I once had a young one in my shoe on the beach.

[@rryanreid]

Where are they this year?

[@jpronan8757]

According to Monty Python, Swallows can carry coconut into the UK.

[@General_Confusion]

Of coarse they don't overwinter at the bottom of ponds, it would be too crowded with all the House Martins down there.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Hahah, thats a fair point... and the swifts!

[@donnaml8776]

I’m in Upstate New York, USA. This area used to be all farm land, but not as much anymore, but it’s still beautiful. I’m really enjoying getting to see wild life in the UK. I’ve been to parts of England and Wales. The UK is amazing. While there we went to a pub, it was a lot of fun, they are so different from anything we have here in the States. But that was a long time ago, back in 1990. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@jimmybirtles3800]

We live in Arboleas, Andalucia and we have lots of Swallows that come back every year. They are quite tame in our garden and sit next to us.

[@clive373]

we rescued dozens of swallows when I worked on a boat in the N Sea. They were exhausted, and landed at our feet.

[@markharrisllb]

Is it me or has this been a bad year for swallows and house martins? I’ve not seen anything like normal numbers but I've seen greenfinches in much higher numbers than usual. Unless of course I’ve got a pair of greenfinch stalkers.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

I think this year was even worse than last unfortunately, and the boom in green finches seems to have levelled out as well.

[@jillatherton4660]

Bottoms of ponds, LOL.

[@macw2234]

I live in the south of the Netherlands. I sit and watch the swallows hunting among the houses. High speed! How they don't fly into obstacles beats me

[@AShotOfWildlife]

They're remarkably agile in the sky!

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

Here in Spain, we have lots of house martins which people mistake for swallows. They usually arrive on or about St Patrick's day but their departure is often caused by hot dry weather in summer reducing the number of flying insects.

[@celestenova777]

Such beautiful little birds. I see them most days flying over my house and love to see them all lined up on a cable wire. Thanks for vid.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you :)

[@mbarker1958]

I have a swallow's nest just above my front door on a second-floor apartment in Westward Ho! They have entertained me throughout this year. I think they have produced 2 or 3 broods. Great work again Liam!

[@chickonasportbike598]

I’m a third floor apartment in Tennessee and there’s a family of them that built a nest on the exit sign by my neighbors door. She scared of them but they don’t bother anyone and they’re beautiful to watch flying! They pressure washed our steps today and my downstairs neighbor said they left the nest alone. Had they knocked it down, I’d need bail money! Momma is sitting on the eggs now. ❤

[@Nooooahhh]

@@chickonasportbike598I have had a nest above my porch on a light for nearly 3 years now in Mississippi. 2 swallows come every year, and they are definitely cool to watch. They look at me everytime I walk out the door. I think it’s the same 2 coming back every year but I’m not sure.

[@chickonasportbike598]

@@Nooooahhh I left my cats fur, she’s a Maine Coon, outside on the balcony in the morning one day and it was gone by the afternoon so I’m hoping that some bird got it. I left last night for work and mom was sitting on the eggs also watching me so I just wished her a nice evening and went down the stairs. 😊

[@theotheseaeagle]

I have swallows nesting in my stable (not really a stable since we don’t have any horses, it’s basically just a storage shed at this point) and we’ve found old swallow nests on the walls and on the beams. They seem to be quite old as most of them have crumbled and fallen apart, but I think one or two could still be being used (I hope).

[@AShotOfWildlife]

I know they are still nesting near here so some may still be in use, depending where abouts you are based.

[@MrMangoman48]

This beautiful little bird every year makes their nest inside in our house we love them they very welcome very sweet little bird

[@royjohnson9043]

Do they leave on their own?

[@gingerninjawhinger9986]

Another great and informative video, Liam. I didn't know that solitary males will kill another's young just to mate with the mother. 👍

[@janetturner7489]

It's worth noting that one reason there aren't as many of these stunning birds is because they fall prey to people in Malta shooting them down, they think it is a sport but I say a sick sport. Sad. I've seen a few martins about. Not seen any nesting ones though.

[@Moroccan-adventures.y]

Good evening, thank you for your videos, which we benefit from, and I personally benefit from them. I also have a channel from Morocco (Africa), and I want to ask you for a request. Can I reuse your videos to publish on my channel? Thank you. Greetings

[@arianefr78]

I live in the south of France and have some swallows that decided to nest inside my garage, (as I'd been leaving the back door of the garage open for my chickens), there are 4 chicks that are 7 days old, I saw them feed one chick a huge dragonfly. Now I have to get up at the crack of dawn each day to open the back door to let them out...

[@patrickhiggins3582]

the swallow bird is a sweet bird,

[@BanjoPixelSnack]

The swallows come to my barn every year. This year they had a third batch of chicks late - around the 1st Sept. I noticed the three chicks on the ground under the nest. Two were dead. One was alive and I put him back in but the next morning he was on the ground again, barely alive. No adults to be seen. I thought he would definitely be dead the next day if I put him back again so I took him home and have been feeding him baby bird formula. A few days later the flock left the barn and they are nowhere to be seen so I assume they’ve migrated. It’s mid Sept which is when they normally leave. Every year there seems to be at least one batch of chicks that all either fall out of the nest and die or are killed. It only ever happens with one particular nest which they have built right up against a steel sheet roof of my old hay shed. This summer has been so so hot, I wonder if the babies get too hot and refuse to feed so the parents throw them from the nest? They make nest in other areas around my buildings and it’s only ever the steel roof one where they are killed en masse. Anyway, I now have a baby swallow who I’ve been feeding for five days now. He’s doing very well. Feeding every 30 mins for 12 hours a day on high protein insectivore bird formula. I don’t know if he’ll make it. I’m pretty sure he won’t make it in the wild now as he’s become tame surprisingly fast (which wasn’t my intention). I was hoping his flock would stay long enough for me to return him but they haven’t. Just going to do my best for him.

[@NaturallyCuriousUK]

Although we usually just call this species (Hirundo rustica) the swallow, it is a little more accurate to refer to it as the Barn Swallow. Lovely bird and always a treat to see, especially in good numbers late summer, or at the nest. 👍🙂👍

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Yes indeed. I was going to calm them barn swallows in the title, but youtube being what it is, that wouldn't be as clickable. Especially as most common folk only know the swallow bit.

[@bigteno4597]

Enjoyed this!! Always interesting and informative. Thank you for your efforts.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you. I appreciate your support!

[@debbiesunlight7047]

Just found your ur channel. So excited My garden is amongst woodland trees on the edge of conservation heathland and I video all my guests. Ravens Crows jays owls blackbirds blue tits goldfinches robins foxes squirrels sparrows nuthatch owls thrushes different types of pigeons grass snakes long worms ( adders (not in garden ) never rats as I assume they get eaten by every one else. Poor rats. X

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you so much and a belated welcome to the channel! I hope you have found lots of videos that you enjoy here.

[@huskyhooligans999]

They lay 3-5 eggs, then shows a photo of 6 eggs 😂, love the videos, informative, to the point and not too long. Subscribed!!

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Nature always breaks the rules lol. I'm glad you enjoyed the videos.

[@Calvin.The.Unfindable]

that was an info packed video, i have always found these little birds so fascinating. another awesome video, as always, cheers dude.

[@Joemamma664]

Migrating to africa.. That's freedom

[@s.terris9537]

A lovely subject, thank you! Might I suggest your title for this be labeled Barn Swallows? I'm sure many won't know the difference, but there are 8 types of swallows. Lovely footage!

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I have tried the title of barn swallow but here in the UK, where most of my audience is based, we just call them swallows. I suspect a lot of people who would get the most from this video would know them as swallows and might think barn swallows are something else.

[@kurkelantila4912]

Lovely video. Barn swallows came to our yard (Siikajoki, Finland) at the beginning of May and their nesting was successful. One pair of swallows nested above our bedroom. Last night four chicks left their nest.❤️

[@sarahboakes6392]

One of my favourite birds. We were told as little children they bring the summer in ♥️

[@jeffallinson8089]

Such gorgeous little birds but on the wing I can never tell the difference between Swallows and Swifts!!

[@angelalayton1655]

Such pretty little birds with lovely colours, thanks Liam for another great video

[@salmonidae3667]

Living in North America, it's weird seeing all the barn swallows with such pure-white underparts in this video! The subspecies here has an orangey underpart so I am much used to that!

[@MrPeach18]

I hate the fact they and all birds don't live longer

[@globeforever9777]

When living on a small farm I was always wary of going into the farm buildings (low doorways) you had to bow your head because the swallows came out those doorways like kamikaze pilots with no fear.

[@shiyujian]

据说被人类接触过的幼燕子会被抛弃，因为它身上有人类的气味，不知道是否属实 It is said that young swallows that have been touched by humans will be abandoned because they have a human scent on them. It is unknown whether this is true？

[@AShotOfWildlife]

I doubt it is true. I think it may have originated in the fact that sometimes birds jump out of the nest early or are kicked out by their parents for reasons not yet understood and therefore, if they are put back in, the same thing often happens again. Most birds have a similar sense of scent as a human so theyre unlikely to be able to smell if one has been touched by a person unless theyre wearing strong perfume or something.

[@tinygrim]

I love swallows and their nests. Some people don't like them 😢 on like buildings. The one's in Minnesota, USA..are blue black looking. lovely birds. ❤❤

[@AShotOfWildlife]

I would understand if the birds did any damage but they dont, its such a shame that some people are so intolerant of a harmless bird that is struggling to survive.

[@thelikesofus324]

Thank you, great video !!

[@gooderspitman8052]

Sadly not that many this year and the same goes for Swifts and Martens, getting less every year. I can’t imagine a spring or a summer without these birds, the Cuckoo as disappeared from around where I live and I think the Swallows are heading the same way. I would sooner be dead than see a summer sky not filled with these migrants.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

I agree regarding swallows and Martins this year but from what I've seen and heard, cuckoo numbers may be slightly up on last year. Hopefully they will recover too in the next couple of years.

[@themadfarmer5207]

Have never had so many swallows around. Only know of 2 nests but 3 or 4 dozen swallows flying round

[@gooderspitman8052]

@@themadfarmer5207 lucky you, sadly not like that around here.

[@simondo1027]

Thanks Liam. Really good video. I really enjoy hearing the facts about all animals.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Cheers Simondo. I have a lot of upcoming videos so stay tuned for those.

[@jenniferbate9682]

I love swallows and swifts too. X

[@stephencope7178]

Swallows and other migrating birds have to unfortunately run the gauntlet when flying on their travels, crossing countries such as France and Malta, when they are trapped and shot at. As yet, I don't believe that the EU has brought out laws to prevent these practices. Little wonder that our swift and swallow populations are declining, along with other species of migrating songbirds.

[@SGOV86]

Besides the birds of prey the swallow birds are my favorite group of birds.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

I look forward to when they come back to the UK in the spring.

[@animallover19581]

Here in Ireland, numbers of swallows seem to be low this year. Always love to see the Swallow and Cuckoo arrive annually.. Harbingers of long warm days ahead. Thanks for your videos. 👍👍

[@jillybalfour4207]

What is the sparrow photographed doing with a stick in its beak? they build nests with mud from the nearest water source.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

The shallows use grass and hay interwoven with the mud to strengthen their nests.

[@skathwoelya2935]

Love this. We used to have house martins every year in an outbuilding in Cornwall. Thanks for another great video, Liam. 😊

[@gowersponger1]

That was awesome fair play to you mate big thumbs up 👍

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you!

[@rungeon83]

I've been wondering what the crazy high pitch whistling here near where I live(Plymouth,Stoke,Devon) and I'm not joking when I say it's thousands of Swallows! I've lived here half my life (19 years) and can say i've never heard/seen as many swallows ever! This must be a "good" year for them where I live.

[@angelascott2959]

Thank you very interesting I love them but I love all birds

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you!

[@juansanabria6804]

Thanks Liam I was playing a fighter pilot game for Xbox called heroes over Europe and 72 Squadron's logo is a blue swallow so I looked it up and watched your video. Here in Rochester New York we too have many birds but are well known for the Peregrine Falcons that nest in the old Kodak building tower.

[@smirkinatu5512]

Day bats, grass gliders, cow chasers, cat divebombers, Chit, chit.....Love em' Thank you for recording and posting this valuable educational video.

[@kathycouch8273]

Fuss budgets lol

[@Compo67]

Over winter in the bottom of ponds! Never knew that old wives tale! 🤣👍 can see why they don’t go to Iceland to! To flipping cold 🥶 . We are getting in the UK at the moment, cold winds from Iceland 🇮🇸 and I don’t blame swallows at all for not going there 🥴 very interesting about incidences of over wintering in the UK. They are welcome if they want to do that.☺️ cracking video Liam …. Thank you 🙏

[@vidarvaggen]

I’m building a room in a barn next to some swallows. I have so much respect for these beautiful birds, and love their song in the morning. The only problem is massive amounts of droppings - and bird flees. It’s not dangerous, but very itchy, so I try to build the wall next to swallows flee proof. And otherwise try not to bother them too much.

[@yurigabrilovich2190]

Excellent

[@grizzlytasbear9716]

My pair have just turned up here in Tasmania Australia thinking I'll build them a bird house now lol 3 years in a row

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Ours have gone for the year now (well most of them anyway). I have never heard of them using a nest box, but it could be worth putting some angles shelves under the gutters of your house as that may work. Good luck!

[@blizzardgumtree5012]

Glad to see you have barn swallows in Australia, I make platforms and shelters for mine so the nests don't break off and fall to the ground.

[@MustafaAli-lb8dq]

❤ Ababeel. Protectors of Kaaba.

[@paulconnor4926]

This evening I enjoyed an aerial spectacular, watching swallows swoop and glide along the rice fields at sunset. Snatching anything unlucky enough to still be airborne. Liam, long story short. Last week I saw a Muntjac deer cross in front of me just up the road, at first I thought it was a baby Sika but it was all wrong. After a spot of googling species I ended up on your channel. I am currently living in the sticks, in rural Japan surrounded by rice fields, old Oji sans and interesting nature. Your channel is a nice touch of familiarity and I'm really enjoying the videos. Thanks.

[@andalltheangelssay212]

thankyou x

[@stevostevoz1976]

I am led to believe swallows have one of, if not the most arduous of migration paths back to the UK & the Female makes the return before the Male indeed some of the time. I really get enjoyment from your informative videos Liam & always like first watch second.

[@briansparks8528]

Here in Australia we have the Welcome swallow which migrates from the southern states to the sub tropical areas in winter then most of them go back in spring but a few do remain and help to control the mosquito population and other flying insects

[@geoffreywilliams9324]

I live in Sydney Australia and for years I have observed swallows flying and swooping over a particular paddock near my home there. To my delight I observed swallows performing the same swooping actions over a lake in Wales whilst on holiday there. Can someone tell me is there any connection between the two . .

[@stevebutterworth1937]

Here in France, where I’ve lived for 33 yrs … Swallows ( hirondelle de chimney and hirondelle de window) were plentiful but the red throated that used to descend the 6 meters have certainly gone into decline😢

[@skakdosmer]

Overwintering at the bottom of ponds?? LOL! Never heard that superstition before. I don't think it's ever been part of Danish folklore. It sounds more like something a mischievous Dane might have told to gullible Britts centuries ago.

[@paradoxine6287]

Can they carry coconuts for about 5 hours during the middle ages?

[@johnnyalphabet]

Love them. Very vocal and make all kinds of funny noises. I have some in my workshop that have got used to me and there is a gap so that they can enter/leave when it's locked up.

[@Glenrsi]

Beautiful birds that travel 1000's if miles yearly. It is unbelievable for an animal so small. Heard awful news years ago that people in Malta shoot them down with shotguns when they fly over migrating (why😡? ). Absolutely disgraceful, but then it's only humans that destroy beautiful nature.

[@rryanreid]

The Chinese are netting millions of swallows enroute to Europe. The swallows are being sent back to chinese for food markets. As anyone else noticed the decline in swallows this year?

[@davidbamford4721]

They over-winter here in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. There were many flying around the marina where I kept my yacht.

[@heidiparfrey7190]

I rescued a swallow from a cats jaws. It only seems to have a wound bite mark on each wing. Can anyone please give me advice on what I can feed and im not good at catching flies xox

[@generalgrievous2720]

How do you know so much about swallows?

[@AShotOfWildlife]

I learn a lot whilst making these videos, I can't claim to know all of the information beforehand.

[@katlove20q]

I live in the United States and I have a nest on my front porch. They are very protective of the nest. Constantly bomb diving my cats when they go outside. My cats are so irritated by them.

[@kfing1]

Love these little guys. They are good little travellers, have seen them in south island of NZ and Far North Queensland, Australia

[@denisenadeau5243]

wow

[@lovelyj78]

Hi, I am here because I have a barnswallow nest in my backyard. I have noticed the babies all have left the nest except 1. It is there all by itself. It has been about a week since it’s siblings left the nest and I’m worried about this one. It hasn’t left. It is all alone. Should I be worried?? Any advice?

[@sirzacha]

Did you know that swallows use thermals ?! When gliding I often encounter them at well over 2000 metres!

[@sagesixparties7217]

I always think of the Pokémon it’s based on than the actual bird

[@tambrachapman6690]

I'm American born and raised. My roots, mother Land. Thank you my rainbow 🌈 generation for each one teaches one, and one hand washes the other and they both wash the face. One Love 😉

[@rodfearnley2486]

You forgot to mention the annual slaughter in Malta and North Africa by shooters and mist netting. These all have effect on how many birds make it to the U.K.

[@tzza9668]

So I found a baby swallow, has feathers, but isnt able to fly yet, I am guessing another 7 days before it's ready . I am feeding it up to 10 house flies and 3 or 4 earth worms every day. I hope that is enough for it, if not let me know. Also it has a little wound on the back of its neck, I did pout some aloe on it as aloe is anti bacterial. The swallow eat well, chirps etc. I wanted to know will he be accepted by others once he is ready to go on and is there anything else I need to know on how to take care of it?

[@oceanfloor258]

Seen very few this year in Ireland. Swifts and Martins even Cuckoos seem to be less also.

[@nchan4679]

I hate these aggresive little bastards. Although i feel bad coz the ones i have in our shed i saw the mother take one out of the nest after i put him back thinking he fell out. She did this twice. Poor lil guy was on the ground all night. Now i dont see him anywhere.

[@chickrepelant]

I'm just here checking if they really beat their wings 43 times a second. That seems awful fast

[@VanderlyndenJengold]

When I was a little boy every year I'd watch the Swallows outside my window flying about or sitting on the telephone wire as they raised another clutch in my neighbour's porch. For years I did this until my neighbours enclosed their porch to my enormous disapproval! I thought it a great privilege that these birds travelled many thousands of miles to that same place every year.

[@solcasared]

Here in west Norfolk there been Very few housemartins swallows or Swiss it’s not been a good summer

[@MrClauskok]

all this knowledge on swallows, and still not a word about "the average air speed velocity of a laden swallow?" :D

[@dalegowler6436]

What swallows seen one this year usually thousands I'm in Linc's UK there is nearly none this year keep a watch on this this has never happened in my sixty years

[@alanphelan9108]

Was really good video until you went down the climate change road.

[@jasonantigua6825]

I’m in the South East of England and haven’t seen Swallow’s in a long time!

[@Over-for-now]

😢so sad that some places lve seen with swallows they make such a mess they are chased out . Or their babies get eaten by cats when they fall from the nest . It breaks my heart

[@asinthedaysofnoahandlot4632]

Was gping to check if you had a swallow video then this pops up sweet

[@enjuakahoshich.6982]

listen, in order to maintain air speed velocity, a swallow has to beat its wings 43 times a second right?

[@Peanuthead1890]

Can anyone tell me why the swallows swoop at me nowhere near the nest they have in my shed the come back every year but seem to be very aggressive

[@WarrenPeace007]

Love this channel X

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thanks Warren.

[@_YouTube-User_]

Why are there some idiots in this comment section saying climate change is not real