Estónia 2023 2€ Andorinha - Hirundo Rustica

The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a small migratory bird belonging to the swallow family. It is the most widely distributed swallow species in the world. It is found both in open country and in villages and towns. It is one of the symbols of the Republic of Estonia.

The swallow has a long forked tail and a body length of 19 to 22 cm. The plumage is black with a metallic sheen on the upper part, the belly is white.

Before the autumn migration, they gather in large flocks, spending time in reeds, swamps and other areas of water bodies where there are many large flying insects. They mostly start leaving Estonia in August, the last ones in October; most fly to Africa, a minority winters in southern Spain and southern Portugal.

In Estonia, the number of Barn Swallows is estimated at 100,000-200,000 pairs.