Swallows: Hirundinidae

Swallows seek breeding grounds that have a good supply of flying and/or water-skimming insects, such as areas near lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands. The species that build mud nests, such as cave and cliff swallows, also seek areas where mud is plentiful. Other species have specific requirements based on their nesting habits. During nonbreeding seasons, the majority of North American swallows, like the purple martin, migrate to the warmer climates of Central and South America.