Barn swallows inspired conservation movements in the 1800s, when they were routinely killed for their feathers, which were used to decorate hats. The mud-and-grass nests of the now-abundant barn swallow can be found clinging to the walls of barns, sheds, and bridges in North America, Europe, and Asia. This particular nest was collected in Manchuria.

Photography by Sharon Beals
Illustrations by Laurie Wigham
Captions by Della Watson