Welcome Swallow (hirundo tahitica)

Size: 15cm, 14g

Description: Adults have rust coloured throat and chest. Head and back bluish-black. Underparts light grey with forked tail. Juvenile less brightly coloured with shallower fork in tail.

Habitat: Low lying open country close to bodies of water. Frequently attach nests to buildings and other constructions. Feed on invertabrates, caught on the wing.

Status: Protected self-introduced native - widespread.

Breeding: August - March. 2 - 7 eggs are laid in a half cup shaped nest made primarily from mud reinforced with dried grass and are incubated by the female.

Distinguishing Features: Extremely fast and nimble in flight, dipping, darting and diving.

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