Cliff Swallows Return to Capistrano Mission San Juan Capistrano Cliff Swallows credit James R. Gallagher While Journey North participants report Barn Swallows, people at Mission San Juan Capistrano search for a close relative, the Cliff Swallow. Cliff Swallows traditionally return to the Mission in mid-March, and their arrival is celebrated on March 19 every year. Will they make it back on time this year? The Cliff Swallows have been coming back to San Juan Capistrano from their Argentina wintering grounds every mid-March for thousands of years, and people have been welcoming them since at least 1910. Why do they return to the Mission so faithfully? To learn more about this wonderful rite of spring and how it inspired a popular song, see Swallows on a Mission   Muddy Mouthfuls Both Cliff and Barn Swallows build their nests of mud. Barn Swallows make a cup nest that they stick on the walls of a barn or other structure. Cliff Swallows build a nest shaped like a gourd, with little holes for the incubating parent or the babies to peek out of. Cliff Swallows Photo Courtesy of James R. Gallagher Look closely at these Cliff Swallow nests and think about what the swallows must do to build them. What habitat requirements must swallows have to make these nests? Why do you suppose the nests have this unusual texture, as if they were made of mud marbles? Try This! Journaling Question List at least two or three special habitat needs of Cliff Swallows in their nesting area. Why are all the mud pellets that make up a Cliff Swallow nest about the same size and shape?" Learn More About Swallows: Visit our Barn Swallows Resource Page Copyright 2004 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form