Identification: Swallows are slimmer and more elegant than the martins, a feature exaggerated by the long tail streamers of the adults. The dark throat and, of course, the all-dark rump separate them easily from House Martins and Red-rumped Swallows.

Habitat: Breeds mostly in farm buildings. Feeds in the air usually over open country.

Distribution: A very common summer visitor throughout Britain, except in north-west Scotland and the Northern Isles, where it much more local.

Widespread and numerous in most of Europe.

Population: 570 000 territories in Britain with 250 000 in Ireland. A widespread bird over both islands.

13 000 000-19 000 000 breeding pairs widespread across Europe.