A coloring page of a swallow flying energetically through the spring sky. With its long tail feathers and sleek silhouette, a swallow busy building its nest is a classic sign of spring. Enjoy coloring it while remembering swallows nesting under the eaves.
🗣 Conversation Starters — for care activities and family time
“Swallows would arrive each spring, wouldn’t they? Did your house ever have a swallow’s nest?”
“Have you ever watched a swallow build its nest? Where did it build one?”
“What season comes to mind when you see a swallow flying?”
Why do swallows build nests under house eaves?
By nesting under the eaves of houses, swallows protect themselves from predators like crows and snakes. Predators tend to avoid places with a lot of human activity, so swallows are said to prefer busy, lively homes. This is the origin of the old saying, ‘A house where swallows nest will prosper.’
Where do swallows fly from?
Japan’s swallows migrate to Southeast Asia (the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and elsewhere) in autumn and return to Japan each spring. They’re migratory birds that travel 3,000–5,000 km (about 1,900–3,100 miles) each way, and some even return to the very same nest year after year.
Why is a swallow’s tail forked?
A swallow’s forked tail, called ‘enbi’ (swallowtail) in Japanese, helps it change direction quickly in flight. Research even suggests females prefer males with longer tails. The tailcoat (tuxedo) is actually named after the distinctive shape of this tail.
