Barn swallows are among the most studied migratory birds in Europe, with detailed knowledge of their welfare needs informing both conservation and agricultural management recommendations.
Individual barn swallows face welfare challenges at every life stage: competing for nest sites, finding sufficient aerial insects in impoverished agricultural landscapes, and developing hunting skills before the migration window closes. Maintaining insect-rich farmland habitats and providing open access to nesting buildings addresses the most significant welfare constraints for this charismatic farmland bird.