The Breeding Ecology of the Barn Swallow in Ellis, County, Kansas

Breeding ecology of the Barn Swallow was studied at 33 localities within a 15-mile radius of Hays, Ellis County, Kansas during the 1968 nesting season. A total of 199 nestings were studied, involving 137 actual nests. Most nests were located in farm buildings. A strong preference (62% of all clutches) was noted for using old nests rather than building new ones. New nests were built by both sexes. Of the 173 nestings followed to completion, 105 (484 eggs) represented the first brood; 68 (277 eggs) the second brood. For the first brood average clutch size was 4.60 eggs; hatching success was 77.47% and fledging success was 58.26%. For the second brood clutch size averaged 4.07 eggs; hatching success was 76.16% and fledging success was 71.11% Egg laying peaks for the first brood were June 1-4 (24 clutches initiated) and June 9-11 (13 clutches). Similar peaks for the second brood were July 15-19 (9 clutches) and July 30-August 1 (10 clutches). Incubation (by both sexes) was 13.63 days and 13.72 days for the first and second broods respectively. Young swallows reached their maximum weights on the 15th day; tarsal length on the 13th day and ulna length on the 15th day. Young swallows leave the area within two or three days after fledging.