Welcome Swallow Nesting Shelf/ Box

Swallow Nesting Shelf/box

•  A nesting platform specially designed for Welcome Swallows.
• The welcome swallow often nests in cup shaped mud formations which are lined with feathers, fur and grass. The nest is often attached to vertical structures such as walls, as well as under eaves and verandahs.
• This welcome swallow nesting shelf is designed to be installed under eaves, veranadahs and building overhangs for shelter and protection allowing welcome swallows a good location to begin and support nest building.
• Due to its open design, this type of platform can be easily mounted and monitored.
• Comes to you ready for use

Welcome Swallow:

The Welcome Swallow is a newcomer on the New Zealand native bird scene. Winging it from Australia in the ’20s, it has made a big impression in its short time on these shores. A welcome addition, it is thought to have come to NZ when its annual migration from the Australian mainland to Tasmania was led astray by a storm. It is a beautiful bird with dark coat of black and brown and a fiery red underbelly – indicative of its deep powerful presence and burning passion for its new home.

 It is said that the Welcome Swallow will bring fortune upon you and your family…

In ancient Greece the Welcome Swallow’s Northern ancestors were associated with household gods, and their presence was seen as a sign of the gods’ favour.

Breeding:

Welcome Swallows can raise three broods between August and March. They build distinctive cup-shaped nests on ledges or attached to vertical supports usually on manmade structures such as houses, bridges and culverts, out of direct sunlight. Mud and grasses are used to build the nest from the base upwards and then it is lined with fine grasses and feathers. The 3-5 pinkish eggs with brown speckles are incubated by the female for 15 days. The nestlings are fed by both parents and fledge at 18 days old.