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Predators and parasites
Few predators are agile enough to catch a swallow although hobbies and sparrowhawks are sometimes able to take swallows in flight. Swallows can often be seen mobbing birds of prey, crows and magpies. They will also mob people, cats and other potential predators which come close to their nest.
Swallows, like all bird species, often carry a number of parasites, but these are harmless to people. In most cases they do not harm the birds, but a substantial infestation can reduce survival and even cause the parents to desert eggs and nestlings.
Last modified: 22 July 2011