Pásky

Pääsky is the Finnish word for swallow. It most commonly refers to the barn swallow, Hirundo rustica, a common and widespread bird species found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Barn swallows are known for their distinctive forked tails, long pointed wings, and iridescent blue-black plumage. They are migratory birds, spending their winters in Africa and returning to their breeding grounds in the spring.

In Finland, pääskyt are a familiar sight during the summer months, often seen darting through the air, catching insects. They typically build their nests from mud pellets, often on the beams or walls of barns, sheds, and other outbuildings, which gives them their English name. Their presence is often considered a sign of summer and good luck.

While barn swallows are the most recognized species, the term pääsky can also be used more broadly to refer to other members of the swallow family (Hirundinidae). These include other species with similar aerial feeding habits and often migratory patterns, though their specific distributions and nesting behaviors may vary. The house martin, Delichon urbicum, for example, is another common swallow species in Finland that could be referred to as a pääsky.