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Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Barn Swallow full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Barn Swallow was completed on 3.12.2010. This drawing was originally started back in 2008 for an illustration project, but they ended up not using a Barn Swallow. It's been kicking around in my 'to do' pile ever since. Generally, I 'stage' my drawings in groups of six (ideally, one amphibian, reptile, mammal, ocean animal, bird and invertebrate) so the last group I added this bird. The drawing is based based on a photo by Fredric F. Petersen.

Information about the Barn Swallow:

The Barn Swallow a passerine bird that has the largest range of any swallow on the planet. It can be found on nearly all continents and it's overall population is thought to approach 190 million individuals. One reason the Barn Swallow is so successful is that it exploits the alteration of the landscape by humans. It will use man-made structures for it's nesting areas (such as barns, hence the name.) Generally these birds prefer open pastures, meadows and farmland. The Barn Swallow feeds on flying insects which it will catch in the air. The Barn Swallow is the national bird of Estonia and is closely linked to the homes of that nation.