Hirundininae

Hirundininae is a subfamily within the swallow family Hirundinidae, comprising the majority of species commonly called swallows and martins. Members of this subfamily are small to medium-sized passerines with slender bodies, long pointed wings, and finely tapered tails. They are highly adapted to aerial hawking, catching insects on the wing with rapid, maneuverable flight.

Taxonomy and diversity within Hirundininae include a number of genera such as Hirundo, Delichon, Cecropis, Petrochelidon, Progne, Riparia, and Ptyonoprogne, among others. The group shows considerable variation in plumage, size, and tail shape, but all share adaptations for efficient sky-to-bug foraging and rapid, sustained flight.

Distribution and habitat extend across most of the world, with the greatest diversity in the Old World tropical and temperate regions. Species occupy open habitats, including fields, wetlands, and urban or rural areas, often nesting on cliffs, under bridge overhangs, or in cavities and mud nests attached to man-made structures.

Nesting and reproduction typically involve the construction of mud nests, cup-shaped or enclosed, sometimes attached to vertical surfaces. Eggs are usually laid in clutches of several eggs, with parental care provided by both parents. Breeding timing and migration patterns vary by species, with many having long-distance seasonal movements between breeding and wintering grounds.

Conservation concerns for Hirundininae species vary; habitat loss, pesticide use, and severe weather events can impact local populations, while many species remain common and widespread. Continuous monitoring and habitat management support their persistence across diverse regions.