2011 25-cent Birds of Canada - Barn Swallow (#7)

2011 25-cent Birds of Canada - Barn Swallow (#7)

A Traveller's Homecoming Signals the Return of Spring An agile, dancing flock of cinnamon-throated, forked-tailed birds has marked spring's arrival for time immemorial. Watching the Barn Swallow swoop and soar as it feeds in mid-air is to witness a study in manoeuvrability: they even drink and bathe in mid-flight by skimming and dipping over lakes and rivers.

This resourceful bird shuns cities, but likes to nest in man-made structures near meadows and wetlands, which give it plentiful access to its main dietary staple: flying insects. Nest-building can take the two birds up to fifteen 14-hour days to complete. The Barn Swallow's cup-shaped nests are usually constructed of mud pellets on high vertical or horizontal structures. These nests offer a relatively safe haven for the couple's four or five spotted white eggs. Once the young birds are fledged, and the days begin to shorten, it is time for the swallow to fly south to warmer climates for winter, before returning in several months with spring in tow.

Specifications:
Item number: 113224
Face Value: 25 cents
Mintage: 14,000
Composition: Nickel plated steel
Diameter (mm): 35
Edge: Plain
Finish: Specimen

Special Features:
- Birds of Canada theme is back due to popular demand.
- The last two coins in the series sold out very quickly.
- This coloured coin showcases a Barn Swallow perched on its nest feeding her babies.
- New! Full colour image of the Barn Swallow is printed on the Certificate of Authenticity.

Packaging:
Coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve.