Barn swallow

The barn swallow is a sleek, fork-tailed bird with striking blue feathers on its back. Found on every continent except Antarctica, it's the most common swallow worldwide. In Europe, people simply call it 'the swallow,' while other similar birds get the name 'martin.'

• Its long, deeply split tail helps it twist and turn midair.
• Europeans use the name 'swallow' only for this species.
• Occasional wanderers have been spotted near Antarctica.