Q: Is a swallow used colloquially in Europe as a synonym for the barn swallow? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Are swallows a good omen to those at sea? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Are swallows excellent flyers? ¶
A: Yes, and use these skills to feed and attract a mate.
Q: Are swallows non-migratory? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Are swallows a simple? ¶
A: Yes, and sometimes musical twittering.
Q: Are swallows able to produce many different calls or songs? ¶
A: Yes, and which are used to express excitement, to communicate with others of the same species, during courtship, or as an alarm when a predator is in the area.
Q: Are swallows insectivorous? ¶
A: Yes, and taking flying insects on the wing.
Q: Are swallows monogamous? ¶
A: Yes, and pairs of non-migratory species often stay near their breeding area all year, though the nest site is defended most vigorously during the breeding season.
Q: Is a swallow called the "bird of freedom" because it cannot endure captivity and will only mate in the wild? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Are swallows capable of walking and even running? ¶
A: Yes, but they do so with a shuffling, waddling gait.
Q: Are swallows considered a possibility even by as acute an observer as Rev? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Are swallows land-based birds? ¶
A: Yes, so their appearance informs a sailor that he is close to shore.
Q: Are swallows a "flight" or "sweep"? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Are swallows tolerated by humans because of their beneficial role as insect-eaters? ¶
A: Yes, and some species have readily adapted to nesting in and around human habitation.