Swallows

Additional Resources Barn Swallow Cliff Swallow Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Types of Birds

The graceful, low flying, swooping, insect eating harbingers of spring, also known as swallows (family Hirundinidae) delight people around the world.

Approximately eighty species, divided into nineteen different genera have been identified, with eight species common to North America during the summer breeding season.

The Cave Swallow (etrochelidon fulva) is the least common species, having a range limited primarily to Southern Texas.

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Northern Rough-winged Swallows (Stelgidopteryx), Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia), Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) and Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) have the most far reaching ranges, with their names indicative of the habitat niche each carves out.

Completing the loop shows that Violet-green Swallows are Western species and Purple Martin's live primarily in the East, along with a small Western population.

All the North American species are adaptable birds, unconcerned about nesting in and around human population centers. Nesting habits differ among species with some building mud nests, others being cavity nesters, and still others easily taking to man-made nesting boxes.

Their adaptability, along with a consistent supply of insects available in all of their varied habitats, translates into healthy swallow populations across the board. In fact, the only possible swallow population problem might be with the San Juan Capistrano population, that has recently failed to appear during the town's annual March celebration.

© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels