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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Hirundo rustica
Barn swallow. Greek: σταβλοχελίδοvο. Gadouras river-mouth lagoon, August 2022.
Breeding migrant, common and widespread. April to September. Length 17-19 cm, wingspan 32-35 cm. Sexes similar. Open areas with low vegetation, villages, farmland, often near water. Feeds on insects taken in flight. Builds nest of mud pellets often in accessible structures such as barns, houses, restaurants, stores (and one car-repair shop in Koskinou, which used to keep a small window open at all times for the benefit of several nesting pairs). Cheerful warbling song.
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