warou - welcome swallow
This beautiful manu is always a welcome sight.
Photo: Tania Wilkinson
warou - welcome swallow
Hirundo neoxena
New Zealand Status: Native
Conservation Status: Not threatened
Lifespan: 9 years
Size: 15cm (the same size as a sparrow)
Weight: Between 10 and 20g
-The clearing of land and an increase in man made structures have actually benefited Warou.
Is it a swallow?
Look for: In flight warou have very pointed and forked tails. If you get a closer look they have a rufous/red chest.
Listen for: You don't often hear them but if you're close enough you may be reminded of a fantail with their twittering.
Did you know?
• The name welcome swallow came from areas of Australia where their arrival was a sign of spring.
• You may have seen their nests constructed of mud and grass on or in manmade structures.
Warou @ Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Warou were surviving on Maungatautari in the presence of introduced pests before the completion of the fence in 2006. A great way to spot them is by booking onto a Tautari Wetland tour where you might see them swooping around and skimming the surface of the lake.
References:
New Zealand Birds Online