Introduction
Barn Swallows
The Barn Swallow is considered one of the most widespread species of swallows on earth. They are found in habitats in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Its breeding range spans most of the Northern hemisphere, specifically in North America, nesting in mostly open country areas, normally using man-made structures such as houses and small buildings, specifically barns. The Barn Swallow is an aerial insectivorous bird and therefore forages in landscapes that are suitable for high rates of insect abundances. These can include, but are not limited to pastures, marshlands, shallow water, usually following animals that have disturbed insects. Currently, the Barn Swallow has been placed in the conservation status of “Least Concern,” however this species is currently showing decline in the Metro Vancouver area in British Columbia.
The Metro Vancouver area of British Columbia is a dense urban center. The area of this district includes a variety of landscapes, which include roads, buildings which range from single story housing to skyscrapers, pasture, forest, ponds, and marshland. The abundance of livestock in the district creates a suitable habitat for the birds (Evans et al. 2007). The livestock create an appropriate breeding ground for insects, therefore creating a suitable feeding ground for Barn Swallows.
About the Project Members
Hammad Askari focused on the Swallows side of the project.
Peter Burnstad is in his last semester at SFU. He focused on the Swallows side of the project.
Jacqueline Tourand is a GIS student at SFU. She focused on the Woodpeckers side of the project.
Bryan Tse is in his last semester at SFU. He focused on the Woodpeckers side of the project.