Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) are the most abundant and widely distributed swallow species in the world. They masterfully catch and eat insects on the wing and their acrobatic flying is fascinating to watch. Because they exclusively feed on insects, they start their long migration journey early, just as insect levels begin to wane, and head to warmer locations where bugs are plentiful. Many cultures revere swallows and they may symbolize joy and hope, home and hearth, modesty and hard work, or wealth and loyalty (also, check out why sailors so often have swallow tattoos).
Barn Swallows are well-known for their adaptability and close association with human environments. Recent research revealed that breeding Barn Swallows can use human behavioral patterns to recognize individual humans, distinguishing between familiar householders and unfamiliar individuals. Identifying low-threat environments allows swallows to save energy for more dangerous situations and to allocate more resources toward reproduction and chick-rearing.
Other researchers showed that Barn Swallow nests located near areas with high human movement had higher reproductive success rates, suggesting that human presence may provide other protection from predators.