Barn Swallow

Following Barn Swallows in flight is a head-bobbing, neck-swiveling, and frustrating task.

With rapid wing beats plus darting and diving, they scoop up airborne insects.

In tawny soft shades of white and rusty orange, these beautifully outlined birds put on a high speed precision flying show for your entertainment.

Weighing in at 0.7 ounce he's mostly wings and tail.  With his quizzically rounded head and not much of a neck, he still manages to attract a mate.

This pair has taken over a spot on the Horicon Marsh Visitor Center.

Before there were buildings for Barn Swallows to co-opt, they lived in caves.

Nowadays they live on manmade structures almost exclusively... barns, bridges, sheds, etc.

A cobalt blue head is the Barn Swallow's crowning feature. If you're patient, one might oblige you with a full frontal portrait and allow you the necessary time to take him all in.

Allan
Credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds