Swallows day is celebrated on March 19th. The first celebrations started as early as the 17th century in the city of San Juan Capistrano. The arrival of swallows, the most famous migratory birds, heralds the arrival of spring.
It is believed that they originate from Africa, where most species live and inhabit all continents except Antarctica. They have a slender body, narrow pointed wings, and a distinctive tail. Their upper body is adorned with metallic dark blue feathers, and they have characteristic white feathers on their belly. The area below their beak and the forehead is reddish-brown. Swallows catch their food in flight, meaning they catch insects in the air. Their beaks are short, and they can open their larynx wide. Usually, they fly at a speed of 30-40 km per hour, but can reach speeds of 50-64 km per hour.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, swallows are present during spring and summer, while they migrate to Africa during the winter. Although their nests are most commonly found in small settlements in agricultural areas, swallows also nest in larger cities. They build their nests from mud and dry twigs, and line them with feathers on the inside. Their survival increasingly depends on humans, and it is up to all of us to help preserve this species through positive action.
(Željka Šaravanja)
