Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Floodwall
Common Name: Barn Swallow
Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
Weight: 0.63 oz
Length: 5.7 – 7.8 in
Wingspan: 12.6–13.6 in

Quick Facts

• The barn swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world.
• The barn swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia.
• The barn swallow drinks by skimming low over lakes or rivers and scooping up water with its open mouth.
• In North America at least, barn swallows frequently engage in a mutualist relationship with ospreys. Barn swallows will build their nest below an osprey nest, receiving protection from other birds of prey that are repelled by the exclusively fish-eating ospreys. The ospreys are alerted to the presence of these predators by the alarm calls of the swallows.

Helvetica at Richmond SPCA

Hello my name is Helvetica! I think I might be your type. Calm and quiet, I’m a total lap cat once we’re friends. Will you please come and visit with me today at the Richmond SPCA!

Age: 4 years, 3 months
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: White / Brown
Declawed: No
ID: 43613790

Adopt Helvetica at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.

To reduce visitor traffic, during the COVID-19 outbreak they are scheduling adoption appointments beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Please leave your phone number in a voicemail or email and an adoption counselor will call to set an appointment for you to meet with a pet. Email the adoption center or call 804-521-1307.

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