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Story: Birds of mountains and open country

Welcome swallow at nest

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Welcome swallow at nest

Welcome swallows build their nests on vertical walls – natural or artificial – usually tucked close under a roof. The nests are made of mud, transported a beakful at a time and pressed into place row by row, giving a distinctive textured pattern. Dry grass leaves help hold it together. Only the female incubates and broods the young, but both adults feed the growing chicks.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10058082

by Peter Reese

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How to cite this page

Christina Troup, Birds of mountains and open country – Welcome swallow, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/14024/welcome-swallow-at-nest (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Christina Troup, published 1 March 2009.