Fecske

Fecske is the Hungarian word for swallow. Swallows are migratory birds belonging to the family Hirundinidae. They are known for their sleek, aerodynamic bodies, long pointed wings, and deeply forked tails, which make them exceptional flyers. These birds are insectivores, catching their prey in mid-air.

There are several species of swallows found worldwide, but in Hungary, the most common are the Barn Swallow (Tadorna tadorna) and the House Martin (Delichon urbicum). Barn Swallows are easily recognizable by their iridescent blue-black plumage and reddish-brown throat and forehead. House Martins have a more uniform blackish-blue upperparts and white underparts, with a distinctive white rump.

Swallows typically build their nests from mud, often attaching them to buildings or cliffs. Barn Swallows construct cup-shaped nests, while House Martins build enclosed, retort-shaped nests with a small opening. These birds are often seen near water sources where insects are abundant. Their presence is frequently associated with the warmer months, as they migrate south for the winter. The term "fecske" in Hungarian can refer to any of these swallow species, but colloquially, it often brings to mind the familiar sight of these agile birds darting through the summer sky.