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Hirundo neoxena
Australasian swallow, slate-blue above with a rusty face, named for the cheerful 'welcome' it signals as spring birds return south. Builds open mud-cup nests under bridges and verandas.
Widespread and abundant; no known immediate threats to the population.
Welcome Swallows are the Australian counterpart of the Barn Swallow, close relatives and ecologically similar.
Their name reportedly comes from being the first migrant to return to southern Australia each spring, 'welcoming' the season.
They've expanded into New Zealand naturally over the last century, colonizing on their own from Australia.
Welcome Swallows colonize farms, sheds, and country homes readily. An open eave and mud nearby is usually all they need.
Mount the open shelf 3–5 m up under an eave, in an open shed, or against a vertical wall under cover.
Mud puddles for nest-building; a stock tank or pond for insects.
Aerial insects only.
Don't knock down old nests; pairs return year after year.
An Australian and New Zealand swallow that colonized New Zealand naturally in the 1950s.
Common throughout most of the continent except the driest interior; partial migrant in southern parts.
Now common throughout both islands after natural colonization from Australia.
Local resident populations.
Open country with man-made structures, farms, towns, bridges, sheds. They readily nest under eaves.
No entrance hole, no front wall, just a sheltered ledge. Includes drainage and the integrated mounting tab.
Resident in much of Australia; partial migrant in cooler southern regions and NZ.