Family Hirundinidae
Swallows and martins are aerial feeding insectivores of the open country, woodland or wetlands, so most records are of birds flying over gardens. They can often be seen feeding over or near Canberra’s lakes. They are well adapted for feeding on the wing, with porpoise-like shape, pointed bow-shaped wings and sleek body plumage to reduce drag. They are at least partially migratory, with more in the region in the warmer months. The Fairy Martin (23 records) and the White-backed Swallow (1) are recorded infrequently. Welcome Swallows, with long forked tails, can be distinguished from Tree Martins, which have square tails and a distinctive white rump.