Languy M. & Vansteenwegen C. (1989) Influence of parental age on the growth of nestling Swallows Hirundo rustica. ARDEA 77 (2): 227-232

The growth (mass) of 67 nestling swallows is studied and factors influencing growth parameters are investigated. The logistic model best fits the data; there is no evidence that clutch-size influences any of the growth parameters. On the other hand, brood effect is highly significant for each of the parameters. The influence of parental age is only detected for maximum mass, the young from older parents being heavier than those from yearlings. Parental age also affects the growth of nestling's wings, as faster growth is observed for young from older parents.