When Swallows postpone the south: first recorded November fledging of Hirundo rustica in Italy

The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a long-distance migratory species whose breeding season in Europe occurs between March and August. However, on November 4th, 2024, a late breeding attempt was documented in Acquanegra sul Chiese (Mantua, Italy). The nest, containing four nestlings approximately seven days old, was located inside a rural farm building, suggesting that the first egg was likely laid around October 10-11th. The site was monitored through direct observations, camera trap footage, weather analysis, and dietary assessment. The collected data indicated that the internal temperature of the building was significantly higher than the external environment, which may have favored the success of the breeding attempt. Feeding activity peaked during the central hours of the day, and the diet was composed of insects from the following orders: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Heteroptera, Homoptera, and Diptera. Fledging occurred between November 19th and 20th, representing the latest known fledging record for the species in Italy and highlighting its remarkable phenological plasticity.