The Barn Swallow

(Hardback)

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Description

The Barn Swallow is a familiar and popular bird throughout the world. It is one of the most widely distributed bird species, breeding in North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa and wintering in South America, southern Africa, southern Asia and even northern Australia. Its habit of nesting close to human habitation has made this elegant bird a part of farmyard and village life and a welcome herald of spring.

This book examines all aspects of the life of this endearing bird, with chapters on its flying skills and feeding habits, mate choice, breeding strategies, nest sites, eggs and incubation, nestling rearing, productivity and survival, migratory behaviour and population dynamics. It also considers changes in populations and behaviour in relation to intensive agriculture and climate change.

The Barn Swallow is both engaging and authoritative; birdwatchers will enjoy amazing insights into the life of the species, such as the importance of tail feathers when finding a mate, or the sinister way that some birds kill of the chicks of rivals. Academic scholars will appreciate the book's broad overview of current research on this species.

Reviews

'This authoritative book includes a wealth of research on this charismatic migrant.' 'Once again 'Poyser' has produced another excellent monograph.' Birding World (June 2007) 'An impressive synthesis of a mass of material Anyone who likes watching Swallows will enjoy the insights provided into the life history. For researchers of social behaviour and flight dynamics, this is an excellent overview that will serve as a first port of call. IBIS (2007) 'This is a fascinating account of what is known of this species, as well as being a thoroughly enjoyable read.' British Birds (April 2007)

Author Bio

Since studying their feeding behaviour as part of her doctorate, AngelaTurner has been fascinated by Swallows. She has written many papers andbooks on these birds, and is the author of Handbook to the Swallows and Martins of the World (Helm) and The Swallow (Hamlyn). She is Editor of the journal Animal Behaviour.