Barn Swallow

Description:

True to their name, Barn Swallows build their cup-shaped mud nests almost exclusively on human-made structures. Both male and female build the nest cup using mud. They collect mud in their bills and often mix it with grass stems to make pellets. They first construct a small shelf to sit on, then build up the nest’s sides. If built against a wall or other vertical surface the result is a semicircular, half-cup shape. The birds line the cup first with grass, then feathers, and in colonies may steal nest-lining materials from neighboring nests. When reusing nests, Barn Swallows clean out old feathers and add new mud to the nest’s rim.

Habitat:

Barn Swallows forage in open areas throughout most of the continent, including suburban parks and ball fields, agricultural fields, beaches, and over open water such as lakes, ponds and coastal waters. They range from sea level up to 10,000 feet. Breeding habitat must include open areas for foraging, structures or cliffs to build nests on, and a source of mud such as a riverbank to provide the material for building nests.

Notes:

This bird was spotted on its nest inside the Missionary Baptist Church building at Cades Cove. The nest was placed well out of harm's reach, unlike this poor bird's nest: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/256...