The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is one of eight species of the swallow family that inhabits the state of Texas, and is the only one of its genus. This particular species is a migratory bird that is a winter resident in central Mexico. During the summer months, it can be observed throughout North America, including throughout the great state of Texas. Although it is nowhere rare in Texas, it seems to be particularly common throughout the western 2/3rds of the state.
This variety of swallow is the largest of the family, save the Purple Martin. Barn Swallows have a body length between six and seven inches while the wingspan can be just more than thirteen inches. While these measurements make it the second largest of the family, it is quite a bit more slender than its closely related cousins.
Like many other species of the swallow family, the Barn Swallow has a coloration of indigo on the back and wing tops. This indigo color tends to iridize when seen in bright sunlight. The top of the head is also blue-black in coloration and is adorned with a rusty colored forehead. The chin is also a rusty color, while the under parts of the body are a combination of white and cinnamon. The tail is colored like the body and is long and deeply forked. This tail structure is one distinguishing characteristic that can be utilized to identify this species from other similar looking swallows.
