Perching on the branch of a dead Paperbark tree, this Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) is waiting to swoop down on the clouds of mosquitos that appear around dusk near the banks of Lake Herdsman, one of the most important wetland areas on the Swan Coastal Plain. The Welcome Swallow is called Kannamit by the Noongar people, who believe this fast and acrobatic bird is a sign of imminent rain.
Published on May 15, 2016
Welcome Swallow – Kannamit
Is the Kannamit a resident bird year-round, Maurice?
The population in Western Australia is sedentary Dries, but in eastern Australia the birds migrate to the tropical north in winter while returning south again in spring.
That’s most interesting, thanks Maurice!
I hate mosquitos so I’m sure that this bird and I would become extremely good friends 😉