Swallows are small, streamlined birds that belong to the family Hirundinidae. They are found all over the world, except for Antarctica, and are known for their agility and speed in flight. There are many different types of swallows, but the two main types are the house swallow and the golden-rumped swallow.


The house swallow is so named because it prefers to nest under the eaves of houses. Its chicks have a tendency to defecate outside the nest, which can result in a mess of droppings under the nest. On the other hand, the golden-rumped swallow has a circle of yellow feathers on its abdomen near the tail, which is the origin of its "golden waist."


Swallows have many special abilities that make them unique in the bird family. Their bodies are streamlined, and their two wings vibrate at a rate of 20 times per second.


The tail of the swallow is almost one-third of its entire body length, which is particularly important for flying. Swallows are also incredibly light, with an average weight of only 20 grams, making them some of the lightest pilots in the bird kingdom.


In terms of food, swallows mainly feed on insects, such as mosquitoes and flies. They are not accustomed to catching flying insects in the air but are skilled at searching for insect food in the cracks of trees and gaps in the ground. This makes them highly beneficial birds, especially in areas with a high mosquito population.


Swallows are known for building their own houses and nests, usually for the purpose of breeding their offspring. If a pair of swallows have no changes from their first nesting, they will still find the old nest exactly the following year when they return to the north and simply repair it. This makes them loyal creatures, with a strong attachment to their homes.


Swallows are some of the most agile and flighty members of the bird family. Their flight speed is incredibly fast, up to 110 km per hour, which is 2 to 3 times faster than that of sparrows. They can fly fast against walls and then rush vertically into the clouds. They can also suddenly make a 180-degree turn, showcasing their incredible aerial skills.


Swallows are unique and interesting creatures with many special abilities. They are beneficial birds, with a special talent for catching insects. They are also loyal creatures, with a strong attachment to their homes. Their agility and speed in flight make them some of the most fascinating birds to observe.