Abstract
Hirundo rustica has been observed in Taiki, southern Tokachi District since 1972, although this species is rare in other areas in Tokachi. Seven cases of breeding were found during a period between 1972 and 1981. These are the first breeding records of this species from Tokachi District. Young fledged successfully from 5 nests; one nest was destroyed before egg-laying and the other was destroyed before the chiks fledged. Two pairs had second broods. The habitat of the breeding place consists of ranches surrounded with pastures and cultivated fields along the Monbetsu and Nakanokawa rivers. All nests were located on the ceilings of cattle barns. The mean clutch size was 3.8 (3.5 for the first and 4.5 for the second brood). The mean brood size was 3.5 (3.3 for the first and 4.0 for the second brood). Incubation period was 13 to 14 days. Young fledged at 17 to 22 days after hatching.
