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Swallows are interesting creatures. They have a place in every Greek’s heart as they are the symbol of spring.
Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology the lady Πρόκνη (Prokni) became a swallow. The story goes that she was the daughter of King Pandion of Athens. She was married to King Tereus of Thrace. Prokni’s sister one day decided to visit Prokini.
She was raped by Tereus and he cut off her tongue, so she could not tell anyone of his crime. Her sister however, managed to weave the crime into her tapestry and pass it onto Prokni. When Prokni realised what had happened, she then killed her sister’s son, Itys, by boiling him and served him to Tereus. After he finished his meal the sisters showed him the head. Realising what had happened, Tereus grabbed an axe and tried to kill them both. Fleeing from his swinging axe they prayed to the Gods to turn them into birds. The Gods answered their prayers by turning Prokni into a swallow, her sister in to a nightingale and Tereus into a hoopoe.
Migration
They originate in large flocks from Africa, and in particular the south Sahara. They travel about 10 thousand miles to reach our shores. In March one will notice a few flying around, a sure sign of spring. They will be busy looking for somewhere to nest. If they haven’t already built their nest the previous year, they will search for the best place they feel their babies will be safe.
As their journey is a long one, they must be equipped with plenty of . Zakynthos is often they opportunity they look for as it is here they can rest, find food and water. Especially having travelled the most difficult part of their journey.
Building their nest
To make their nests they gather dirt and make it into cement like mud. It can take them up to a couple of weeks to finish. Once done they lay their eggs within the nest, usually around 4-6 eggs.
Once the hatchlings are out, the process of feeding them becomes the work of both parents. Their nest is kept clean as they never soil their nest. Over time you will see their little heads popping out from the nest waiting. Their mouths wide open when food is brought to them.
Superstition
In Zakynthos it is considered lucky for a nest to be built in your premises. This is why you may see nests in bars or restaurants that have not been removed. As no Zakynthian wants bad luck on their hands, simply because the nest the swallows built, is not in the right position. The nests are usually left alone.
Their stay in Greece will be through the summer months. Then they return back to their origin. Once the temperature drops again and food supplies become less, our little Helidonia (swallows) fly off to Africa and Zakynthians will await for them to return again.
The video below is of their song. Three babies chittering to their mum, who is on the far right.
