Q: We have a visitor every evening about 8:45 p.m. who likes to perch on our front porch. We are not sure why this bird has picked our porch to perch every evening. Do you know what type of bird this little guy is? (accompanying photo) He seems determined to stay on our front porch during the night and doesn't seem frightened by human activity. Scott Lyter, of Mechanicsburg.
A: That looks like a barn swallow, a fairly common bird of open country across much of North America.
As the name implies, its nests in barns, in sheds, under bridges and under porch roofs, where it builds cup-shaped nests, formed of mud and grass with a lining of feathers, hair and fine grass. The nest is affixed to an upright wall under an overhang or sometimes placed on a ledge.
Originally a cave-nester, the species has adapted to nearly exclusive use of man-made structures. It generally displays little fear of humans.