Welcome Swallow

The welcome swallow, or warou, is a self-introduced aerial insect-eater that colonised New Zealand in the twentieth century. It has glossy blue-black upperparts, a rufous forehead and throat, pale underparts and a forked tail; white spots show in the spread tail.

It is widespread over open country throughout the main islands and many offshore islands, especially near water. Birds catch flying insects on the wing and build mud cup nests on sheltered ledges, bridges and buildings.

Welcome swallow is Not Threatened (NZ Threat Classification). Scan above ponds, estuaries, pasture and bridges throughout New Zealand.