Wildlife Welfare

Wild Barn Swallow Migration Welfare

Barn swallows undertake one of the most demanding migrations of any UK bird, facing multiple welfare challenges en route.

Key Facts

Barn swallows migrate from UK breeding grounds to sub-Saharan Africa and back each year
The round trip covers approximately 12,000 kilometres each way
Deaths from exhaustion, storms and illegal trapping in Mediterranean countries cause significant mortality
Insect prey availability for refuelling on migration is affected by pesticide use across Europe
UK breeding swallow numbers have declined by 50% since 1970 largely due to African wintering ground changes

Welfare Considerations

Swallow migration welfare involves cumulative challenges from thousands of kilometres of flight, weather hazards and illegal killing. Addressing habitat and insect availability at both ends of the migration route, and enforcement against illegal trapping, protects swallow welfare across their annual cycle.

What You Can Do

Maintain swallow nesting sites including open barns and nest cup retention in buildings
Support insect-rich habitat creation benefiting swallows at UK breeding sites
Engage with BirdLife International campaigns against illegal bird trapping in the Mediterranean