Swallows and Other Breeding Birds
Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) gather mud in their beaks to build cup-shaped nests in man-made structures like bridges and barn rafters, including the Round Stone Barn at Hancock Shaker Village. Join Mass Audubon to observe an active colony and learn how barn swallows nest in social groups, often returning to the same site each year. As insectivores, they feed on mosquitoes and gnats while flying in long, graceful arcs, easily recognized by their deeply forked tails. Their use of human-made structures offers insight into how birds adapt to habitat changes, supporting an interest in ornithology and animal behavior. A short tour with a Shaker Village interpreter will connect this seasonal activity to the history of the barn and its role in the surrounding landscape, encouraging close observation and a deeper connection to place. – Pre-registration required.
Self-Directed Learning
Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) are cavity nesters that rely on holes in trees or bird boxes for breeding, often competing fiercely for these limited spaces. In this short video from Mass Audubon, learn about their iridescent plumage, hovering flight, and preference for open fields near water. Unlike barn swallows, they do not build with mud or nest on buildings, and their population growth has been supported by widespread nest box programs. Paired with the barn swallow event, this video encourages comparison and curiosity, helping to highlight key differences in nesting, flight, and behavior through the lens of ornithology, field ecology, and conservation.
