615-357-7797Open 24 hours for emergencies
Nashville, TN · Serving Middle TennesseeFacebookInstagram
A Middle Tennessee commercial warehouse and office park with loading docks, landscaped retention pond and clean parking lot in the late afternoon sun.

Wildlife of Tennessee · Birds

Barn Swallow in Tennessee

Protected by federal law, so nests that are in use can’t be disturbed. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Call us today615-357-7797
A barn swallow with blue back and rust throat perched at a mud nest under a Tennessee porch eave.

At a Glance

About the Barn Swallow

Birds nest in vents, chimneys and signs and roost on ledges. Many are protected by federal law, so nests that are in use often must be left alone and prevention is the focus.

Protected Species

Risk: Protected by federal law, so nests that are in use can’t be disturbed.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameHirundo rustica
Size6 to 7 inches
Where it shows upPorches, garages, barns, bridges and eaves
When it is activeDaytime, spring through summer

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a barn swallow.

  • Mud cup nests under eaves, porches and in barns
  • Swooping flight around buildings at dawn
  • Droppings below nests on doors and decks

A Protected Species

What We Do About the Barn Swallow

This animal is protected by state or federal law, so we do not harm it. We inspect, advise and, where the law allows, use exclusion with the right timing. If you are unsure, call us before you do anything.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Cover vents and chimneys with heavy mesh
  • Use spikes, slopes or netting on ledges
  • Do not disturb active nests of protected birds
  • Clean droppings with protection

Similar Animals

More Birds

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

Open the Tool

Good to Know

Questions About Barn Swallow

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a barn swallow?

Common signs: mud cup nests under eaves, porches and in barns; swooping flight around buildings at dawn; droppings below nests on doors and decks.

Is a barn swallow dangerous?

Protected by federal law, so nests that are in use can’t be disturbed. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a barn swallow?

This animal is protected by state or federal law, so we do not harm it. We inspect, advise and, where the law allows, use exclusion with the right timing. If you are unsure, call us before you do anything. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Free Estimate

Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Call us today615-357-7797

Get Your Free Estimate