When a small bird has such a big yawn it’s easy to imagine it catching insects on the wing.
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
1/1250, f/9.0, ISO 800
Welcome Swallows are tiny, about 15cm and 15g, with much of their length being taken up with their long forked tail. In the image above you might be able to see the short rictal bristles sprouting from the sides of the bill. These bristles help to direct insects into the bird’s mouth as it flies while also providing some protection to its eyes.
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
1/1250, f/9.0, ISO 800
I especially like photographing preening birds as it’s good to know I am not invading their comfort zone. This bird could be accessing its uropygial, or preen, gland to help maintain its feathers. There was a significant breeze blowing which has ruffled the swallow’s feathers to show more detail of the way its feathers are coloured. This pose also shows the individual white spots on the swallow’s tail.
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
1/1250, f/9.0, ISO 800
This is a more typical pose, with the profile showing its bright eye, the shape of its bill and the blue specks starting to appear on its head. The wind is rustling its feathers again, which are a softer colour than the rich rust colouring of an adult bird.
Happy birding
Kim
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Are these juveniles? They seem to have a different colour, lighter?
Yes, you’re right Togram. I mentioned it very briefly at the end of the post. I particularly like the softer shades of young swallows.
Your beautiful photos express your affection for these birds. Always took these birds for granted but now worry that the drop in insect numbers will effect their survival. I saw an albino welcome swallow in Maryborough, Vic a few weeks ago and researching albino-ism in birds is how I found your site. Thank you – great photography!
Welcome aboard Merrilyn! and thank you for your kind comments. Whenever I’m with WTP Welcome Swallows I remember the albinistic bird, there was something magical about watching it – something that you’d now understand too.
GLORIOUS captures of this complete charmer, from the ‘zip top head’ pose to the details on the plumage. Oooh. And ahhh. And thank you.
Thank you EC, and you are so welcome
Wonderful shots, so crisp and clear. Love looking into its mouth. The first bird I saw on my first trip to Australia!
Thank you Thomas. What a neat memory to have, now I’m imagining the yawning bird is calling you back for another trip.