Barn Swallow Nomenclature and Books

by Adele Barger Wilson, author of Bonding with the Barn Swallows

© 2014 Adele Wilson

Although the name of this species is "the Barn Swallow", these endearing birds are just called "Swallows" in the British Isles.  In some other parts of Europe they are called "Smoke Swallows".  Here in America they are called "Barn Swallows".

There are different subspecies of Barn Swallows.  Our North American Barn Swallows comprise one of the subspecies. 

Barn Swallows exist on all continents except Antarctica.  They spend winters in Australia, but do not breed there.  After they arrive in Australia, it is summer there.  That is because the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere are the same as the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.

Here are some books about Barn Swallows.  The first two were written by me and focus on the North American Barn Swallow subspecies.  The third and fourth include many detailed, scientific findings about this species of swallows as a whole.  The fifth book is about all types of swallows and martins, which belong to the same family.

Bonding with the Barn Swallows, by Adele Barger Wilson, paperback edition, 186 pages.  My close observations of both adult and baby Barn Swallows during the summers of 2011 and 2012 led me to a great deal of research and many discoveries, which are all included in the book.  Consisting of Parts I, II, III, and IV, the book includes 118 photos, many of which feature baby Barn Swallows.

This is the Kindle edition of Bonding with the Barn Swallows, by Adele Barger Wilson.  Consisting of approximately 86 pages, it covers Part I of the paperback edition, taking you through the summer of 2011.   It describes how the swallows built the nest, guarded it, and raised five cute babies in it.

The Barn Swallow, by Angela Turner.  Based on many years of scientific observations and research, this book is a treasure trove of facts about the Barn Swallow species and subspecies (or "races").  It also addresses some of the differences between the various subspecies, such as the North American and the European.

Sexual Selection and the Barn Swallow, by Anders Pape Moller.  Includes superbly researched findings on how Barn Swallows select their mates and the evolutionary implications of their selections.  Goes well beyond the subject of reproductive competition for its own sake by expanding into topics such as life history, foraging, migration, and geographic variation.

Swallows and Martins:  An Identification Guide and Handbook, by Angela Turner and Chris Rose.  There are many species of swallows in the world, with Barn Swallows comprising just one species.  All species of swallows are in the same family as martins, of which there are also many species.  This family of swallows and martins is called the Hirundine Family.  If you are interested in comparing Barn Swallows with other swallows and also with martins, this book is for you.  Included are sections for each type of swallow and martin.



In my next blog, I will feature children's books about Barn Swallows.