Swallow — Birds

The story behind the answer

Swallows are small, fast-flying insectivores with long, scythe-like wings and a deeply forked tail—perfect for agile aerial hunting. They catch insects on the wing and often skim low over fields and water. Many species, like the Barn Swallow, build cup-shaped mud nests on ledges or under eaves and undertake epic migrations spanning continents.

To tell it apart from the options: swans are huge waterfowl with long necks, gulls are stockier seabirds with webbed feet, and starlings have short tails and a more compact shape. Memory tip: think “swallow swallows insects” and “forked tail = swallow.”