2 euro Estonia 2023 – Barn swallow

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a small migratory bird belonging to the swallow family.

The barn swallow is one of the symbols of the Republic of Estonia, with a special reverent attitude of the inhabitants of the country towards this bird.

The swallow has a long forked tail. The body length is 19–22 cm. The plumage is dark black with a metallic sheen from above, the belly is white.

Before the autumn migration, they gather in large flocks, spending time in reeds, swamps and other areas of water bodies where there are many large flying insects. They mostly start leaving Estonia in August, the last ones in October; most fly to Africa, a minority winters in southern Spain and southern Portugal.

In Estonia, the number of Barn Swallows is estimated at 100,000-200,000 pairs.

The swallow was also depicted on the largest banknote of Estonian kroons with a face value of 500 kroons (was in circulation until 2010).

Circulation – 1,000,000 pieces