BioSample

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a migratory bird that has been the focus of a huge number of ecological, behavioural and, more recently, genetic studies. To facilitate further genomic and population genetics studies, we present here a draft genome sequence for the European subspecies (Hirundo rustica rustica). SMRT sequencing from Pacific Biosciences in conjunction with the newly developed Direct Label and Stain (DLS) optical mapping by Bionano Genomics was employed in order to provide the first high-quality draft genome sequence for a scientifically and culturally important species of migratory bird.