Wildlife Welfare

Wild Barn Swallow Migration Welfare

Barn swallows face a gauntlet of welfare threats during their long-distance migrations between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Facts

Barn swallows migrate up to 10,000 km between European breeding grounds and African wintering areas
Food availability during migration stopovers is critical for energy reserves
Pesticide use reducing insect prey is a major driver of barn swallow population decline
Barn swallow populations have declined by over 60% in the UK since the 1970s
Climate change is altering insect emergence timing, affecting chick rearing success

Welfare Considerations

Barn swallow welfare spans two continents and the hazardous journey between them. Supporting insect-rich habitats in breeding areas, maintaining barn and building access for nesting, and reducing pesticide use are all practical welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Leave access to barns, outbuildings, and bridges where swallows traditionally nest
Reduce pesticide use to support the insect prey base swallows depend on
Support conservation programs tracking swallow migration routes and population trends