Pronunciation: [hɜːɹˈʌndə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
Hirundo is a Latin word meaning swallow. Its pronunciation is hiˈrʊndo, with the stress on the second syllable. The "h" in Hirundo is pronounced as a voiceless glottal fricative, and the "i" is pronounced as a short vowel sound, as in "hit". The "r" is trilled, and the "u" is pronounced as a short, lax vowel, similar to the "u" in "put". This word is often used in ornithology to refer to a genus of birds in the swallow family.
Hirundo is a noun that refers to a genus of small migratory birds belonging to the family Hirundinidae, which is commonly known as swallows. The name "hirundo" comes from the Latin word meaning "swift," which aptly describes the agile and rapid flight of these birds.
Members of the genus Hirundo are widespread throughout the world, particularly in temperate and tropical regions. They are recognizable for their slender bodies, long wings, and forked tails. With their streamlined design, they are extremely adept at aerial feeding, swooping through the air to catch insects on the wing.
These birds typically build cup-shaped nests made of mud and vegetation, often attached to the sides of buildings or under bridges, where they raise their young. Swallows are highly social creatures, often gathering in large flocks during migration or when foraging for food.
Due to their graceful flight patterns, distinctive shape, and melodious calls, hirundos are admired by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. They play an important role in pest control by consuming large quantities of flying insects, contributing to the overall balance of ecosystems.
In mythologies and folklore, swallows are associated with good luck, happiness, and the upcoming spring season. They often symbolize joy, freedom, and the return of warmth after winter. Their annual migrations have been studied and celebrated for centuries, inspiring poets, artists, and scientists alike.
The word "hirundo" comes from Latin. It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*krei-", meaning "to shake, wave, move quickly". In Latin, "hirundo" specifically referred to the swallow bird.
