Colonial Breeding in the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) and Its Adaptive Significance

Social patterns in the swallow family (Hirundinidae) involve varying degrees of gregariousness during the breeding season. Some species, such as the Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) and the Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), breed in dense colonies of up to several hundred pairs. Other species, like the Tree Swallow (Iridoprocne bicolor) and the Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis), are solitary breeders. A third pattern of social behavior is that of breeding in small colonies of variable size. The Barn Swal-

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