Swallow

Description

Swallows are small, quick birds with slender, streamlined bodies, forked tails, and long pointed wings, which allow great maneuverability and endurance. Their bills are short and wide, with strong jaws. Their legs are short, and their feet are adapted for perching rather than walking, as the front toes are partially joined at the base... though they can walk, they do so awkwardly. A swallow has steel blue upperparts and a rufous forehead, chin and throat, which are separated from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The tail of the male is typically longer than that of the female. The chicks hatch naked and with closed eyes. Fledged juveniles usually appear as duller versions of the adult. They are relatives of the Tree Swallow and the Martins.

Range & Habitat

Found all across the Blessed Isle and into the Threshold along the Inner Sea, the Swallow has become thoroughly adapted to the presence of humans, nesting in the eaves of buildings. They are migratory, with Southern coast birds moving north to breed and Northern coast birds moving south to overwinter. This sometimes neccessitates the crossing of the Inner Sea, and during migration many small islands of the Sea become filled with the birds as they rest midjourney.

Diet

Swallows are insectivores, eating on the wing. They usually forage at around 18-25 miles per hour, although they are capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour when traveling.

Cultural Significance

Because the Swallow nests in human-built structures, they are well known to human cultures in their range. As the birds eat bothersome insects, they are welcomed, even encouraged, by many peasants.

The Swallow, combining cold steel blue with rufous/scarlet, and migrating from the Northern Threshold to the Blessed Isle, has long been a symbol of Dynastic Cadet House Ferem, depicted on the House mon sigil.

The swallow is also associated with the month of Ascending Air within the field of Dynastic Fashions.