Swallow
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Ps 84:3; Prov 26:2; Jer 8:7; Isa 38:14) - the familiar migratory songbird of the passerine order. It builds nests under the roofs and cornices of temples, houses, towers, and other structures. Hence the psalmist says: 'Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God' (Ps 84:3).