Nest records of the Welcome Swallow

Abstract

We have analysed 1,169 nest records for the Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena. The data were obtained predominantly from south-eastern Australia during the period 1964 to 1976. Information on the nest, nest site, laying, clutch size, incubation, nestling period, breeding success and breeding season is presented. Breeding is similar to that of the northern hemisphere Barn Swallow H. rustica. However, clutch size is distinctly smaller than for Barn Swallows in Britain and there was no evidence that clutch size increases with latitude, but some that suggests that it did so inland. Welcome Swallows in Australia are less successful (young fledged from eggs laid) than Barn Swallows in Britain.