The most numerous and widely distributed of our resident Since their nests are easily located, the breeding chronology swallows, Barn Swallows have thrived as a result of their close of Barn Swallows has been thoroughly studied in Ohio. Nest association with man. This species is most frequently found in construction has been reported during the last week of April, but rural farmlands, nesting in barns and other outbuildings while these activities are most prevalent during May. Their first foraging over adjacent open fields. Smaller numbers also occupy clutches are normally laid between May 15 and June 5. Nests urban areas, although the shortage of suitable open fields for with young have been reported as early as May 26 (Trautman foraging limits their numbers in these areas. A few pairs 1940) and are most frequently noted during June. These young regularly nest under bridges in cities, but have a greater tendency may fledge by June 10 but most fledglings appear between June to utilize bridges in agricultural areas. In recent decades, very 20 and July 10 (Campbell 1968, Trautman 1940, Williams few pairs have utilized natural nest sites. Only Campbell (1968) 1950). Barn Swallows regularly raise two broods each summer, reports pairs regularly nesting on cliffs on West Sister Island and the second broods are frequently raised in the same nest as (Ottawa County) in western Lake Erie. the first (Peck and James 1987). Second clutches are most prevalent during July, and incubating adults have been noted through August 10 (Williams 1950). These later broods nor- mally fledge between July 25 and August 15, although a nest with young has been reported as late as August 26 (Price 1928b). Barn Swallows have been common to abundant summer residents in Ohio since the 19th century (Jones 1903, Peterjohn 1989a). Hicks (1935) used similar terms to describe their breeding status in every county, although he claimed they were locally distributed in portions of western Ohio. Since 1965, their breeding range has expanded and populations have increased in North America (Robbins, C. S., et al. 1986), a trend that is probably also applicable to Ohio. During the Atlas Project, Barn Swallows were recorded in 761 priority blocks. They were missed in only three blocks in the Unglaciated Plateau region. These three blocks were largely forested and had few farms and other open habitats required by this species. Breeding Bird Surveys data for Ohio indicate Barn Swallows are most numerous in the Glaciated Plateau physi- ographic region. Not surprisingly, they are least numerous in the Unglaciated Plateau region which is more heavily forested and contains the least amount of open farmland in the state. Interme- diate numbers are recorded on surveys in the other physi- ographic regions. Since their nests are easily located, breeding Barn Swallows had a very high rate of confirmation during the Atlas Project. Of the 548 confirmed records in priority blocks, 411 pertained to active nests while used nests were found in another 40 blocks. Alvin E. Staffan Recently fledged young and adults carrying food for young were observed in 50 and 35 blocks respectively. The “30” code was Barn Swallows regularly breed as isolated pairs but frequently not accepted for this species, and the few remaining confirmed form small colonies of 5–20 pairs. Most nests are placed on records were scattered among the other categories. Probable beams, ledges, or similar structures for support, although some breeders composed most of the other Atlas Project records. Adult are attached to the sides of walls. These nests are usually placed swallows entering buildings or other probable nesting locations in buildings or under bridges while those on the outside of and pairs in suitable habitats constituted the majority of these buildings are protected from the elements by eaves. Barn reports. Swallows construct semicircularly–shaped open nests composed of mud pellets (Peck and James 1987).
204 Blocks Special Areas Other Observations Confirmed Probable Possible
Analysis of Block Data by Physiographic Region Summary of Total Blocks % Regional Ave. # Individ Breeding Status Physiographic Blocks with with % per BBS Route No. of Blocks in Which Region Surveyed Data Data for Ohio (1982–1987) Species Recorded Lake Plain 95 95 100.0 12.5 23.8 Till Plain 271 271 100.0 35.6 18.3 Total 761 99.6% Ill. Till Plain 46 46 100.0 6.0 19.6 Confirmed 548 72.0% Glaciated Plateau 140 140 100.0 18.4 32.0 Probable 179 23.5% Unglaciated Plateau 212 209 98.6 27.5 13.6 Possible 34 4.5%
205 Barn Swallow