Wildlife

Wild Barn Swallow Migration Welfare

Barn swallows undertake extraordinary annual migrations to sub-Saharan Africa and back, facing multiple mortality hazards across their 10,000 km journey.

Key Facts

UK barn swallows winter primarily in South Africa, travelling 10,000 km each way
Spring migrants arrive from late April; autumn departure is September to October
Mortality peaks occur during adverse weather crossing the Sahara Desert
Insect decline en route reduces refuelling opportunities and increases migration mortality
UK barn swallow populations have declined by 50% since the 1970s

Welfare Considerations

Barn swallow migration involves extreme physiological demands and significant mortality risk. Supporting insect-rich habitats at both breeding and stopover sites maintains population welfare.

What You Can Do

Maintain insect-rich habitats on farmland and gardens to support swallow feeding
Allow barn swallows to nest in farm buildings and outbuildings undisturbed
Report swallow arrival and departure dates to contribute to migration monitoring