Barn Swallows

On this page:

• A seasonal spectacle
• Barn Swallows are at risk and need our help
• Did you know?
• Birdwatching tips

A seasonal spectacle

From May to August, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites come alive with the graceful aerial displays of Barn Swallows, making this site an ideal destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

• Barn Swallows are medium-sized songbirds easily recognized by their distinctive forked tail, deep blue back and wings, and rusty-orange forehead, throat, and belly.
• Barn Swallows have a close relationship with humans, often building their nest in and around human-made structures. You can frequently see them near their cup-shaped nests, which are commonly attached to vertical surfaces on buildings with a supporting ledge. Look for them flying in and out of historic buildings, underground magazines, or perched on the top of walls, fences, or wires.
• As insectivores, Barn Swallows feed solely on insects, offering a natural pest control service.

Look up, and you’ll see them swooping over Fort Rodd Hill’s main field, skillfully catching insects in mid-air.

Barn Swallows can be confused with other swallow species found here, such as the Tree Swallow and Violet-green Swallow. A Tree Swallow has a shiny blue back and a solid white belly, while a Violet-green Swallow has a greenish-purple back with white patches on its sides and lower back.

Barn Swallows are at risk and need our help

Despite their widespread presence, Barn Swallows are designated as Threatened under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. While the Canadian population has remained relatively stable over the past decade, challenges still threaten their survival. These include:

• The loss of traditional nesting sites, such as barns and other rural structures due to urbanization;
• Reduced insect prey availability due to pesticide use and habitat loss; and
• Climate change.

Three actions that help protect barn swallows.

Create safe nesting spaces:

At Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, staff are committed to creating safe nesting spaces for Barn Swallows so they can return year after year. To support these efforts, staff have installed artificial ledges to provide secure nesting spots.

---

Respect nesting sites:

During the nesting season, Barn Swallows work tirelessly to care for their young, feeding them up to 400 times a day—a remarkable feat for such small birds! Their nests are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. Please look for signs around the site reminding visitors to be mindful of nesting Barn Swallows and observe from a distance to avoid disturbing them.

---

Learn about conservation:

Find out how you can make a difference by visiting the Parks Canada page on Barn Swallow conservation.

Did you know?

• Barn Swallows were once cliff dwellers, but with the arrival of European settlers and their new buildings, the swallows adapted to nest in human-made structures like barns and sheds.
• Barn Swallows are incredibly social birds that often nest in colonies, making for an exciting spectacle when large numbers swoop overhead.
• Barn Swallows are the most widespread swallow species in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica!
• Both male and female Barn Swallows participate in nest construction, using bits of mud collected in their small bills. It takes up to a thousand trips to gather enough mud for one nest!

Birdwatching tips

Visit during the spring and summer months, especially early mornings or late afternoons, to catch these swallows in action as they swoop, glide, and feed their chicks. Bring your binoculars to help spot their distinctive forked tail, which sets them apart from other swallow species like Tree Swallows and Violet-green Swallows.