Tree Swallow
Description: These slim graceful birds can be seen flying about high in the air, they sport an iridescent blue-green back with a contrasting white belly and breast. Females have duller iridescence than males. Immature: Similar except for the absence of the blue coloration to the back, in immature individuals it is gray-brown.
Nest: They build nests in natural cavities, wood pecker holes and bird boxes. Nest base is grasses and plant stems. Feathers from waterfowl are added to this to complete the nest.
Eggs: 4-6 unmarked white eggs.
Diet: Insects such as bees, flies, moths, mosquitoes, damselflies, and dragonflies. Wheeling through the air, swallows capture prey on the wing. They are renowned for their ability to consume biting pests such as mosquitoes.
Habitat: Open areas such as fields, ponds, lakes, coastal areas and wet meadows. They require large open areas as they spend most of their lives in the air. Tree swallows will skim the water to take a drink as they fly above it. They can be attracted with bird boxes built to the specifications required by eastern bluebirds, often inhabiting the same habitat. Unlike European Starlings, Tree Swallows are natural competitors for nesting cavities.
Nest: They build nests in natural cavities, wood pecker holes and bird boxes. Nest base is grasses and plant stems. Feathers from waterfowl are added to this to complete the nest.
Eggs: 4-6 unmarked white eggs.
Diet: Insects such as bees, flies, moths, mosquitoes, damselflies, and dragonflies. Wheeling through the air, swallows capture prey on the wing. They are renowned for their ability to consume biting pests such as mosquitoes.
Habitat: Open areas such as fields, ponds, lakes, coastal areas and wet meadows. They require large open areas as they spend most of their lives in the air. Tree swallows will skim the water to take a drink as they fly above it. They can be attracted with bird boxes built to the specifications required by eastern bluebirds, often inhabiting the same habitat. Unlike European Starlings, Tree Swallows are natural competitors for nesting cavities.
