Wednesday 20 April 2016

Wild Bird Wednesday 195 - Welcome Swallow

When we got back from the trip out into the Bay, H pointed out this Welcome Swallow sitting on the back of a seat in another tour boat.  I love the way this bird seems to be looking around, taking things in.

The Welcome Swallow is the 'normal' swallow in my part of the world, and its a different species to the Barn Swallow (which I just called a Swallow) that I used to see in the UK.  The Welcome Swallow is Hirundo neoxena while the Barn Swallow is H. rustic.

These birds do migrate north from Tasmania and SE Australia in the winter, but a few hand around all year.

In these pictures you can see that these swallows do not have the dark chest/ breast band of the Barn Swallow.






Now its your turn - click the blue button and off you go!



40 comments:

  1. Gorgeous bird! It does look very similar to our barn swallows.

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  2. We have Barn, Cliff and Tree Swallows here. The Tree Swallows are nesting right now and it's fun to watch them battle over turf and peek their heads out from their nests. Glad to see Swallows are represented "Down Under!"

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  3. What a "welcome" sight:) I love the name of these birds. States it like it is:)

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  4. I didn't know swallows were so pretty.

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  5. I have seen a few returning Barn Swallows very recently but your 'Welcome' version is a treat to view.

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  6. I hope we will soon be saying Welcome swallow to our swallows :)

    Thanks for hosting :9

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  7. I have Violet-green and Tree Swallows nesting at the moment. I am hoping to see a pair of Barn Swallows later on. I did see a Purple Martin which is unusual here.

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  8. Hello, I like the name Welcome Swallows, they are adorable. They look much like our Barn Swallows. Great photos and post. Thanks for hosting, enjoy your week!

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  9. Swallows, all Swallows even bird that resemble Swallows are at the top of my favorites list. You got some beautiful shots of this one~

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  10. Fabulous photos of the cute swallows. One knows it's summer when the swallows have returned.

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  11. That swallow seems to be saying "c'mon - let's go!"

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  12. They are always so cute looking. Great photos Stewart.

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  13. A beautiful bird, looks similar to the Barn Swallow.

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  14. A boating bird, that's different. As you know I'm not a birder but I took a shot of a bird on our recent visit to the Blue Mnts and I don't recognise it. If you have time could you take a look http://diane-adventurebeforedementia.blogspot.com.au

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  15. The multiple shades of black, grey, blue and blue-black with the red/gold is really pretty. Nice snap. Thanks for hosting, Stewart!
    Have a Happy Week!
    Peace :)

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  16. thanks for giving me the correct name of the Freckled duck. My list said one bird was seen :)

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  17. Hi Stewart, I've only ever seen the Welcome Swallow in international bird books and websites. Great to see one up close. Thanks for sharing and for hosting this meme. Have a great day. Jo

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  18. Great photos of the swallows. I think that is what I see hanging around some of the boats up here but I must take a better look next time.

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  19. they seem tolove doing this as one did thesamee thing on a ferry one time I was in Sydney.

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  20. That swallow sure was colorful.

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  21. Seems to be right at home in the tour boat. Probably looking around for bugs rather than enjoying the scenery. Its plumage is certainly similar to our Barn Swallow.

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  22. Hello Stewart - I have just seen my first swallow for this year -flying over a local beauty spot - Lyth Hill in Shropshire - Mary Webb country - enjoy your week - Jane

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  23. Very interesting swallow and nice looking too.It really looks very much same kind like Barn swallow.

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  24. Nice that you anticipated our reaction and immediately defined the Welcome Swallow as different than the Barn Swallow, because I was already formulated my comment about the Barn Swallow when I read your information :) They do look very similar ... beautiful either way. We have Barn Swallows that build their nests under the covers of the boat lifts along our shore. I have watched them for years gleefully clear our air of mosquitoes ... so I love them for more than their beauty and their cute little faces. Good one, Stewart :)

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  25. Stewart, Welcome indeed. Thanks for sharing.

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  26. Such a darling little bird! I had never heard of a Welcome Swallow before.

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  27. A beautiful swallow and I love the name! They would certainly be welcome anywhere I was! (I only wish I could see them.)

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  28. I have seen many swallows in California. Your images are wonderful.

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  29. What a beautiful bird..I love Swallows..Barn Swallows used to dive back and forth while I was mowing going for the bugs I stirred up..

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  30. When I think you could not possibly have more new birds up your sleeve, you always do! And this one is a beauty - and would be "welcome" in my yard! Love the colors!

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  31. Have not seen a swallow with these brilliant colors before. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  32. Great images! Lucky to find such a cute little model!

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  33. Welome Swallow - what a great name huh? The other evocative hirundine moniker I always like is Mosque Swallow.

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  34. I'm just happy to see evidence swallows actually PERCH on something! I only see them flying at Mach 2! Great shots, Stewart!

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