Please note that the original print run has sold out and this is 2012 print-on-demand version.
The Barn Swallow is a familiar and popular bird, breeding in North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa and wintering in South America, southern Africa, southern Asia and even northern Australia.
This book examines all aspects of the life of this endearing bird, including chapters on its flying skills and feeding habits, mate choice, migratory behaviour and population dynamics. It also considers changes in populations and behaviour in relation to intensive agriculture and climate change.
Since studying their feeding behaviour as part of her doctorate, Angela Turner has been fascinated by Swallows. She has written many papers and books on these birds, and is the author of A Handbook to the Swallows and Martins of the World (Helm) and The Swallow (Hamlyn). She is Editor of the journal Animal Behaviour.
" [...] a lucid summary of what is known [...] Turner has much of interest to report from ornithology and her own thirty years of observing the bird."
– Tim Dee, Times Literary Supplement, May 2007.
"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)