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Project Noah Nature School
Hirundo rustica
Barn Swallows once nested in caves throughout North America, but now build their nests almost exclusively on human-made structures. Barn Swallow parents sometimes get help from other birds to feed their young. These “helpers at the nest” are usually older siblings from previous clutches, but unrelated juveniles may help as well.
Radnor Lake, TN
This fledgling is the last one in a small nest on a ledge in the eaves of the visitors center. The staff there said its 4 siblings fledged 2 or 3 days ago! I believe swallows broods often hatch asynchronously so this was probably the last to hatch. Mom & Dad were close by & still bringing food. They tried to see me off while I was taking photos!
Spotted on Jun 6, 2012
Submitted on Jun 7, 2012
2 Comments
Thanks Mandy! Bluebirds sometimes demonstrate that behavior too with non breeding juveniles from earlier broods helping mom & dad to feed the new one!
Thanks for the interesting info about swallow baby-sitters : )