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Swallows: Hirundinidae

Swallows And People

Most swallows have a good relationship with their human neighbors. They are attractive birds that adapt well to habitat changes imposed by humans. While some people may consider a mud nest in their eaves or on their front porch a nuisance, the swallows' appetite for flying insects can help keep the pest population down.

APARTMENT DWELLERS

North American purple martins that live east of the Rocky Mountains rely exclusively on human-made "apartment-style" martin houses for nesting. The practice began hundreds of years ago when Native Americans hung hollow gourds for the birds to nest in. Western purple martins are not colonial and typically nest in tree cavities, although some will use solitary nesting boxes if available.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceBirdsSwallows: Hirundinidae - Physical Characteristics, Habitat, Diet, Swallows And People, Conservation Status, Barn Swallow (hirundo Rustica): Species Accounts - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION