Welcome Swallow
Hirundo neoxena
About This Species
A common sight over open fields, wetlands, and around towns in Australia and New Zealand, this swallow nests in cup-shaped mud nests tucked under eaves, bridges, and culverts. It forages low and fast over water or short grass, often in pairs or small groups, and is most active and easiest to watch during its spring and summer breeding season. Listen for its soft twittering calls as it circles close to the ground.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Nests built on buildings and structures should be left undisturbed while in use, and a respectful distance kept from birds feeding young, since repeated disturbance can cause nest failure.
- Native birds are protected under wildlife legislation in both Australia and New Zealand, making it an offence to harm birds or destroy active nests.
- Simple, low-impact viewing from a distance is all that is needed to watch this species going about its business.
LCAvesPasseriformesHirundinidae
Seasonal Activity
1,681,765 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Hirundinidae
Photo
(c) Shane Walker, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Shane Walker
CC-BY-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.