Wildlife

Wild Barn Swallow Farmland Insect Welfare

Barn swallows have declined 50% in the UK since 1970, with insect food declines from agricultural intensification reducing chick survival and adult body condition.

Key Facts

Barn swallows are entirely dependent on aerial insects caught on the wing
Insectivorous bird declines closely track farmland flying insect decline since the 1970s
Swallows feeding chicks make up to 400 trips per day per pair when insects are abundant
Wet cold springs cause chick starvation when aerial insects are unavailable
Mixed farming with livestock supports higher insect densities than arable monocultures

Welfare Considerations

Swallow chick starvation from insect food shortage is directly linked to agricultural insect decline. Reversing this trend requires systemic farming practice change at landscape scale.

What You Can Do

Support mixed farming systems and agri-environment schemes maintaining insect abundance
Install swallow nest ledges in barns and outbuildings to support nesting
Maintain open water and mud sources near nesting sites for food and nest material
Record swallow nesting success through citizen science to track population trends