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Welcome swallow

Welcome swallow

Welcome swallows made their own way to New Zealand from Australia. Seventy years ago, they were quite rare in New Zealand, but are now found throughout the country.

Scientific name: Hirundo neoxena
Other names: house swallow, warou

New Zealand Status: Native (Self-introduced)
Conservation Status: Not threatened

Where they feed: In the air
What they eat: Flying invertebrates

Garden types

Welcome swallows are more commonly seen in rural gardens (17%) than in urban ones (10%). However, this species is less likely to be seen in gardens where people feed birds.

Garden location

Welcome swallows are generally more likely to be seen in gardens on the North Island, especially in Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Manawatū-Wanganui regions.