2011 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada: Barn Swallow Coloured Coin

2011 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada: Barn Swallow Coloured Coin 

A Traveller's Homecoming Signals the Return of Spring
An agile, dancing flock of cinnamon-throated, forked-tailed birds has marked spring's arrival for time immemorial. Watching the Barn Swallow swoop and soar as it feeds in mid-air is to witness a study in maneuverability: they even drink and bathe in mid-flight by skimming and dipping over lakes and rivers.

This resourceful bird shuns cities, but likes to nest in man-made structures near meadows and wetlands, which give it plentiful access to its main dietary staple: flying insects. Nest-building can take the two birds up to fifteen 14-hour days to complete. The Barn Swallow's cup-shaped nests are usually constructed of mud pellets on high vertical or horizontal structures. These nests offer a relatively safe haven for the couple's four or five spotted white eggs. Once the young birds are fledged, and the days begin to shorten, it is time for the swallow to fly south to warmer climates for winter, before returning in several months with spring in tow.

Flitting between field and barn, there’s nothing like watching a Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) in action. Countless birds will swarm over a field, diving and swooping at incredible speeds to feed on insects they catch in mid-air. In fact, this incredibly agile flyer also drinks and bathes in flight—by skimming and dipping over lakes and rivers.

The Barn Swallow is easily identified by its long, forked tail and curved wings; all which are designed for its fast, acrobatic flight. Its blue plumage and cinnamon-coloured throat are best observed when this active bird stops to feed its fledglings in the nest.

The male and female will spend up to fifteen 14-hour days to build their cup-shaped nest of mud, grass, hair and feathers. As the bird’s name suggests, the nest is usually built high up on manmade structures near insect-rich meadows and wetlands. This captivating bird is widespread throughout Canada, disappearing from the fields from September to April when it migrates south.

Design

A barn swallow perches on the edge of its cup-shaped nest in front of two fledglings; their hungry mouths wide open, eager for food.

This coin’s specimen finish is a very collectible feature that is further enhanced by a richly coloured design; the coin’s larger-than-usual diameter providing plenty of space to capture every detail.

Packaging

2011 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada: Barn Swallow Coloured Coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve and Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications

Face Value: 25 cents
Mintage: 14,000
Composition: Nickel plated steel
Weight (g): 12.61
Diameter(mm): 35
Finish: Specimen