Range

Australia is the native home of the welcome swallow while they have self introduced to New Zealand over a century ago. Vagrant populations are found in New Guinea and New Caledonia.

In Australia they are found across much of the continent taking in every state and territory but are less common in the north than the south.

Habitat

The wide range of the welcome swallow means they live in a number of habitats including grasslands, wetlands and coastal habitats. As humans have expanded their habitat they can be found living near humans and will attach their nests to buildings.

Only two main habitat types appear to be avoided which is heavy forests and moist arid or desert areas.

Reproduction

Pairs often make use of the same nest site year after year. Breeding will take place from August to February.

Their cup-shaped nest is placed on the side of cliffs or buildings and is formed of mud and plant matter. The pair work together for several days to build this nest. Animals hairs, grass and feathers may be used to create a soft bottom to the nest.

In to the nest between 4 and 6 eggs will be deposited. Incubation takes 21 days and fledging occurs after just two to three weeks.

If a chick is orphaned by its parents they may be adopted by another pair.

Inside the nest the welcome swallow has a wide range of diseases to contend with and as such young have as many as four times white blood cells as adults to help them survive.

Pairs may raise up to two broods each season.

Behavior

Much of their day is spent in flight only resting to sleep and mate.

These animals only use their nest during the breeding season.

Welcome swallows are partially migratory and will move around as a response to the availability of food.

Their call is a twittering, soft warble or a sharp whistle when they are alarmed.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the welcome swallow include snakes and birds of prey such as hawks.

Introduced species such as cats also pose a threat.

Diseases pose a further threat to their survival.

Quick facts

Their name was given to them by sailors as they were often on of the first sights before they reached land giving them a 'welcome.'