One swallow hopefully will make a summer!

Welcome swallows (Hirundo neoxena) are a new addition to New Zealand?s native fauna. Known only as occasional vagrants before the 1950s, they were first noticed breeding near Kait?ia, Northland, in 1958. Since then they have spread throughout the mainland.

This one is building a nest under a bridge near my home on Dudley Creek.

Welcome swallows are small, slender birds with finely pointed wings and distinctive forked tails. They are deep blue on the head and back, with dark chestnut wings and tail. From the face to the chest they are orange-red ? more intense during the breeding season ? and off-white below. They are 15 centimetres long and weigh about 14 grams.

Insects such as blowflies, midges, beetles and moths are most often taken on the wing. Sometimes aquatic insects are caught from the surface of streams and pools.

They live up to 6 years, laying about 4 pinkish eggs in a clutch, and laying up to three times a season. Both parents feed the young but only the female incubates.