An iridescent blue-green swallow that nests in tree cavities and nest boxes. Among the first migrants to return north in spring, and the only North American swallow that can switch to berries when insect prey crashes.

Native status: Native; widespread

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in); wingspan 30–35 cm
Weight17–25 g
LifespanWild typically 3 years; oldest documented 11
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyHirundinidae

§ Encyclopedia

The tree swallow is a migratory bird of the family Hirundinidae. Found in the Americas, the tree swallow was first described in 1807 by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot as Hirundo bicolor. It has since been moved to its current genus, Tachycineta, within which its phylogenetic placement is debated. The tree swallow has glossy blue-green upperparts, with the exception of the blackish wings and tail, and white underparts. The bill is black, the eyes dark brown, and the legs and feet pale brown. The female is generally duller than the male, and the first-year female has mostly brown upperparts, with some blue feathers. Juveniles have brown upperparts, and gray-brown-washed breasts. The tree swallow breeds in the US and Canada. It winters along southern US coasts south, along the Gulf Coast, to Panama and the northwestern coast of South America, and in the West Indies.

Source: Wikipedia — Tree swallow Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small iridescent blue-green swallow with white belly. Pointed wings and forked tail.

Similar species. Violet-green Swallow (white extends to face). Bank Swallow (gray-brown).

Voice. Soft chirps and twitters.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects caught in flight; switches to berries in winter (unusual for swallow).

Behavior. Among the first migrants to return north in spring. Nests in cavities, especially nest boxes.

§ Range

Across North America in summer; winters along southern US coasts and into Central America

§ Habitat

Open habitats near water, especially with dead trees or nest boxes

§ Threats

Cavity competition with house sparrows and starlings, pesticide-driven insect declines, climate-driven phenology mismatch.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the tree swallow is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Install bluebird-style nest boxes near water. Skip pesticides. Support flying-insect research.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2018