Migration day at Gülper See. On this quiet afternoon, when the sun is no longer so high on the horizon on the southern shore of Gülper See, a young Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is waiting more and more aggressively on a wire in a cow pasture. Because this young bird is not satisfied with patience. Its small body trembles with urgency, and as its sharp calls pierce the air, it is clear that this is no ordinary plea. With wild determination, the young swallow’s hunger-driven desperation leads to an unusual behavior – it aggressively begs not only its parents, but also a nearby Sand Martin (Riparia riparia). The latter then flies away in fright.
With the new Sony Alpha 7R V and the zoom Sony FE 200-600mm F/5.6-6.3 G OSS on a FlexShooter Pro Lever Black ball head on a Gitzo Systematic GT 3542 XLS tripod I was able to take some nice pictures.
Barn Swallows, recognized for their streamlined bodies and forked tails, are among the most widespread of swallows, known for their agile flight and long migrations. Juveniles, still learning the ropes of survival, are often seen begging vociferously for food, their open mouths a universal signal in the avian world. However, in cases of extreme hunger or confusion, young swallows may mistake other species for their own parents. The Sand Martin, smaller and browner than the Barn Swallow, is often found in similar habitats, which may lead to these rare, interspecies begging incidents.
This behavior highlights the intense competition for food that juvenile swallows face. Despite the Sand Martin’s distinct appearance, the young Barn Swallow’s relentless begging—characterized by persistent calls and wing fluttering—demonstrates an instinctive drive to secure nourishment, regardless of the source. Such aggressive begging is not just a sign of hunger but a critical survival strategy during this developmental stage.
These interactions, though infrequent, underline the challenges of early life for migratory birds like the Barn Swallow. As the juvenile matures, it will learn to differentiate between species, but in these early days, its survival hinges on every opportunity to be fed, even if it means mistakenly begging from a bird of another kind.
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