suitsupääsuke

suitsupääsuke is the Estonian name for the barn swallow, a small passerine bird belonging to the family Hirundinidae. This bird is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with populations found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are migratory birds, typically spending their winters in warmer climates in Africa and South America.

The barn swallow is characterized by its slender, streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a deeply forked tail. Its plumage is typically iridescent blue-black on the upperparts, with a reddish-brown forehead and throat, and pale underparts. They are often seen foraging for insects in flight, demonstrating remarkable aerial agility. Their diet consists mainly of flying insects caught on the wing.

Nests of the barn swallow are usually constructed from mud pellets mixed with grass and saliva, often built on the inside of buildings, such as barns and sheds, hence their English name. They typically lay clutches of four to five eggs. The barn swallow is a common sight in rural areas and is often associated with human settlements due to its nesting habits. In Estonian culture, the suitsupääsuke is sometimes considered a symbol of spring and good luck.