Does anyone know about the breeding habits of the Welcome Swallows? I have a nest under my carport .After the birds finished the nest, they disappeared for a few days, then came back. I see them coming to the nest, fly a few rounds over the paddock, and leave again. Well, that made me think, they might have another nest somewhere else? But, when I get up early in the morning, both of them come out of the nest and fly off, not to be seen all day, until they come back at night. My question, would they build a nest, if they don’t breed? Would they use the nest just to sleep in? Do you think they might still breed? I would love to know the answers. M-L
Here is some information Araminta plus a very sad story.
It appears that some Welcome Swallows can begin making another nest even while feeding their current nestlings as they often have more than one brood per season (see pair B). Although, I would think it unusual for them to sleep in the new nest and leave the other unattended. Here is a study on the breeding of captive swallows at Taronga Zoo
http://www.rzsnsw.org.au/Volumes%20of%20RZS%20papers/1988%20vol24%284%29/de%20S%20Disney%20H%20J%20Notes%20on%20Breeding%20of%20Welcome%20Swallows%20in%20Captivity.pdf
Here is a wires report which includes the sad story it is the last story if you want to avoid it.
http://www.wiresnr.org/swallows.htm
Alison
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"the earth is not only for humans, but for all animals and living things."
Thanks so much for the information.So far there can't be any nestlings yet, they only turned up a week ago. I think this pair is experienced, they have used two nests in the past years, and had two lots of young. So I hope the new nest will be the one! (You are right, they are building two nests at the same time. In the photos I posted, the male sits on one, while she is building the other nest.)
Fingers crossed, all goes well! M-l
M-L
I hope everything goes well too ... not only for the photos you will post either. :'D Thanks for asking the question as it was very interesting reading about some of their behaviour patterns.
Alison
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"the earth is not only for humans, but for all animals and living things."