Overview

Tree Swallow: Medium-sized swallow with iridescent blue-green upperparts and white underparts. The wings are dark gray and tail is dark and forked. Black bill, legs and feet. Swift, graceful flight, alternates slow, deep wing beats with short or long glides. Turns back sharply on insects it passes.

Range and Habitat

Tree Swallow: Breeds from Alaska east through northern Manitoba to Newfoundland and south to California, Colorado, Nebraska, and Maryland. Spends winters north to southern California, the Gulf Coast, and the Carolinas. Preferred habitats include open areas near water, such as fields, marshes, meadows, shorelines, beaver ponds, and wooded swamps with standing dead trees.

Breeding and Nesting

Tree Swallow: Four to six white eggs are laid in a feather-lined cup of grass built in a tree cavity or nest box. Incubation ranges from 13 to 16 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Tree Swallow: Feeds mostly on insects caught while in flight; also forages on the ground for insects, spiders, seeds, and berries; may travel long distances to find food.

Vocalization

Tree Swallow: Song is a cheerful series of liquid twitters.

Similar Species

Tree Swallow: Violet-green Swallow has more white on rump and face and greener upperparts. Bank Swallow is smaller, duller, and has breast band. Northern Rough-winged Swallow has dark throat and warmer brown upperparts.