BANK SWALLOW Meaning and
Definition
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A bank swallow, also known as a sand martin, is a small migratory bird belonging to the family of swallows and martins (Hirundinidae) and the genus Riparia. It is a widely distributed species found across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Characterized by their slender bodies, bank swallows have brown upperparts and a paler, white belly. They measure approximately 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 inches) in length.
One of the distinctive features of bank swallows is their nesting behavior. They construct burrows into the vertical or sloping banks of rivers, streams, or quarries, hence their name "bank swallow." These colonies, often referred to as colonies or colonies of "sand martins," are usually found in loose sandy or clay soils near water bodies. Bank swallows typically prefer areas with an adequate supply of flying insects, which they feed upon, including small beetles, flies, and ants.
During the breeding season, bank swallows display a highly social behavior, forming large colonies with numerous nesting burrows. Each burrow typically consists of a tunnel measuring about 60 cm (23.6 inches) in length, leading to a nest chamber. These colonies provide significant protection against predators due to their large numbers and close proximity.
Bank swallows are highly migratory birds. They spend their winters in areas of Africa and South America. These birds undertake long-distance journeys spanning thousands of miles, migrating to their breeding grounds in the spring and returning to their wintering grounds in the fall. The ability to navigate over vast distances and locate their nesting burrows year after year is a remarkable feat observed in these agile and resourceful birds.
Common Misspellings for BANK SWALLOW
- vank swallow
- nank swallow
- hank swallow
- gank swallow
- bznk swallow
- bsnk swallow
- bwnk swallow
- bqnk swallow
- babk swallow
- bamk swallow
- bajk swallow
- bahk swallow
- banj swallow
- banm swallow
- banl swallow
- bano swallow
- bani swallow
- bank awallow
- bank zwallow
Etymology of BANK SWALLOW
The word "bank swallow" has a straightforward etymology based on the bird's behavior and habitat.
The term "swallow" comes from the Old English word "swalewe", which is related to the Old High German word "swalawa" and the Middle Dutch word "swalwe". These words all refer to the bird species known for their swift and graceful flight.
The word "bank" in "bank swallow" refers to the preferred nesting habitat of this species. Bank swallows build their nests in holes or burrows that they excavate in sandy or clay banks, typically near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or cliffs. So, "bank" in this context refers to the steep slopes or cliffs that provide suitable nesting sites for the birds.
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