Facts about the migration of Swallows
Oct 19th, 2007 by Birdy Trish
I’ve been finding out some interesting information about swallows
and here are some facts I’ve found out:
- Instead of flying over the Alps swallows have discovered a much easier route for their migration. In the Western Alps swallows fly through the 4 mile long St Bernard Road Tunnel instead!
- When swallows fly across the Sahara desert they use oases as staging posts, flying from one to another.
- Swallows need a full set of feathers before they migrate. They can grow primary wing feathers faster than any other bird. Most birds take a long time to moult.
- Swallows can do this fast enough to complete the moult between their migrations.
- Swallows eat, drink and mate while flying.
- Their forked tails are large and open out to act as a powerful rudder or brake.
They really are special. I look forward to their return in Spring and I hope they have a safe flight to their home in Africa.
People used to think that swallows hibernated
Very interesting facts and an excellent photograph. sara from farmingfriends