Swallow
Hirundo rustica
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Lake District
Season
April to October. Summer visitor.
Best time of day
Daytime. That flight.
Lake District
Everywhere. Farms. Villages. Lakes. That fork tail. Blue. April to October. Common. The sound of summer.
UK population
Around 860,000 pairs. Declining.
Overview
Swallows are summer. That fork tail. Blue. Farms. Villages. Everywhere. April to October. Common. The sound of summer. Don't take them for granted.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Habitat | Farms · Villages · Open country |
| Diet | Flying insects. Catches in flight. |
| UK population | Around 860,000 pairs. Declining. |
| Lake District | Everywhere. Farms. Villages. Lakes. That fork tail. Blue. April to October. Common. The sound of summer. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Everywhere. Farms, villages, lakes. That fork tail. Blue. Common.
Identification
Blue. Fork tail. Red throat. Long tail streamers. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Everywhere. Summer. That fork tail. Common.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.