Welcome Swallows are named Welcome Swallows because they appeared in Southern Australia as a herald to spring. Welcome Swallows are self introduced and first bred in New Zealand 1958 - By 1965 they were found throughout Northland spreading to the North Island and breeding in the South Island. They are a small fast moving bird approximately 15cm long and weighing 9-20 grams. This one’s head disappeared beneath its plumage as it preened in the sunshine.