The Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina), with its iridescent plumage that shimmers in hues of green and violet under the sunlight, is a stunning sight for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. This bird is not only admired for its stunning appearance but also for its remarkable traits and behaviors that make it a fascinating subject of study.

Native to the western regions of North America, the Violet-green Swallow has captivated many with its agile flight and aerial acrobatics as it hunts for insects in the sky. These birds are consummate fliers, capable of executing swift turns and dives to capture their prey, which includes flies, beetles, and other airborne insects. Their diet plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations, showcasing the importance of these and other swallows in maintaining ecological balance.

Preferring the cavities of trees in open woodlands and forests, Violet-green Swallows often utilize holes created by woodpeckers or natural crevices to lay their eggs. They have also adapted to nesting in special boxes and other man-made structures, reflecting their ability to thrive in diverse environments. Inside these nests, lined with feathers and soft materials, females lay between four to six white eggs per clutch.

The Violet-green Swallow is currently not facing significant threats and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like all wildlife, they are not immune to the challenges of habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. Efforts to conserve their natural habitats and ensure a healthy environment are essential for the continued survival and prosperity of these swallows.

Despite their vibrant colors, Violet-green Swallows can be elusive, often blending into the vastness of the sky until their iridescent feathers catch the light just right, revealing their true beauty. This elusive nature adds to the allure of spotting them during their migratory journeys or while they perform their aerial feats above meadows, forests, and bodies of water.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) is a modestly plumaged bird, often overlooked due to its subtle brown coloring and less flashy appearance compared to other swallows. However, what it lacks in vibrant colors, it makes up for with its intriguing characteristics and behaviors. This bird is named for the tiny hooks or serrations along the edge of its primary wing feathers, a feature unique among swallows, believed to help in catching insects mid-flight.

One of the most fascinating facts about the Northern Rough-winged Swallow is its adaptability in nesting locations. Unlike many birds that are specific about their habitat, this species can nest in a variety of settings, including sandy banks, gravel pits, or even man-made structures like drainage pipes and culverts. This adaptability showcases their resilience and resourcefulness in finding safe places to raise their young.

Conservation concerns for the Northern Rough-winged Swallow are relatively low compared to other bird species. They are currently not listed as threatened or endangered, thanks largely to their adaptability to various habitats, including those altered by humans. Nonetheless, they are not immune to broader environmental threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and the broader impacts of climate change, which could affect their food sources and nesting sites in the future.

Swallows, those aerial acrobats that delight us with their graceful flight, play a significant role in ecosystems around the world. Beyond their interesting antics and dapper good looks, swallows are a fascinating subject for study for citizen scientists. Citizen science projects involving swallows offer bird enthusiasts of all ages the chance to contribute to the conservation and understanding of these birds. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting to explore the avian world, there are a few opportunities to get involved.

Alaska Swallow Monitoring Network

Scientists and citizens team up to monitor Tree Swallows in Alaska, to study their phenology (the timing of seasonal behaviors and cues) and how climate change impacts nesting and other activities. Monitoring occurs at several locations across Alaska with nest boxes installed in appropriate habitat. More Info →

Swallows and Swifts in Italy

Rondini & Co uses iNaturalist to compile observations of swallow and swift species in Trento, Italy. The data is mainly input by students in the region. More Info →

NestWatch

NestWatch is a citizen science effort from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Participants monitor nests throughout the breeding season, following safety and interval protocols. Nests of virtually any species can be monitored, including commonly submitted species Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, and Barn Swallow. More Info →

Purple Martins are unique in that they are almost entirely dependent on human-provided housing for nesting in the eastern parts of North America. They nest in colonies and prefer multi-compartment birdhouses or gourds strung up on poles in open areas, a nesting habit that has developed over generations of interaction with humans. Due to this reliance on humans for nesting sites, there are several citizen science projects that involve the study of Purple Martins.

Project Martinwatch

Project Martinwatch is an effort to both improve management of Purple Martin (PUMA) colonies, and to track the reproductive biology of PUMAs. Data is collected by PUMA landlords or citizen scientists who help landlords with monitoring. Participation is easy and involves performing nest checks every 5-7 days from nest building to fledgling and submitting your data at the end of the season. More Info →

Purple Martin Scout-Arrival Study

This study aims to gather data on first arrival times of Purple Martins to nesting sites. This data, usually submitted by PUMA landlords, tracks the progress of springtime migration of Purple Martins across North America. The historical and real-time information is helpful to landlords to know when to open up their colonies to nesting birds. More Info →

Purple Martin Banding

While untrained citizen scientists cannot legally band birds without a federal permit, landlords can contact their local Audubon Society, state wildlife agency, or birding club to locate an appropriate banding program, if one exists. If you find a banded Purple Martin (or any other banded bird), you can report it to the Bird Banding Laboratory. More Info →

Participating in these projects not only provides valuable data to scientists but also enriches the participant's understanding and appreciation of swallows and martins. The firsthand experience of monitoring these birds fosters a deeper connection with nature and promotes conservation efforts on a personal level.

For those looking to get involved, reaching out to local birding clubs, wildlife organizations, or online platforms dedicated to citizen science is a great start. Besides these projects, entering sighting data of the swallows and other birds you find into eBird is a great way to contribute to citizen science on a regular basis.

As our week-long celebration of Swallows continues here on the Birdorable blog, we're sharing a glossary of terms related to the family Hirundinidae. Understanding these related terms will help with your understanding of the unique birds in this fascinating cosmopolitan family of insect-feeding birds.

Aerial Insectivores

Birds that catch insects in flight, a category that prominently includes swallows.

Apus

A genus of birds in the swift family, often confused with swallows due to their similar appearance and flight patterns. Swifts and swallows are, however, different in their wing structure and nesting habits.

Brood Parasitism

A behavior where a bird lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, relying on them to raise their young. Brood parasitism does not only involve mixed species; in their communal nesting colonies, Cliff Swallows have been observed laying eggs in other Cliff Swallow nests.

Diurnal Migration

The pattern of migrating during the day. Swallows, being diurnal, migrate during the day, utilizing the daylight hours for feeding on insects as they move.

Gape

The wide opening of a bird's mouth, often significantly large in aerial insectivores to facilitate easy feeding.

Hawking

A feeding strategy where birds catch insects in mid-air. Swallows are expert hawkers, gracefully capturing prey during flight with precision.

Hirundinidae

The scientific family name for swallows, from Latin, which encompasses various species of swallows, saw-wings, and martins.

Rictal Bristles

Stiff feather structures around the base of the beak, thought to aid in sensing and catching insects mid-flight. Rictal bristles are present in several aerial insectivorous species, including the swallows, saw-wings, and martins. Rictal bristles are also notable in nighthawks, swifts, and flycatchers -- all specialist aerial insectivores.

Roost

A place where birds gather to rest or sleep. Swallows can form large roosts during migration periods. Unlike many birds that might roost solitarily or in small family groups, swallows gather in large numbers at roosting sites. 

Trans-Saharan Migrants

Refers to birds, including some swallows, that migrate across the Sahara Desert to reach their breeding or wintering grounds.

Zugunruhe

A German term used in ornithology to describe the increased restlessness in migratory birds, including swallows, as the migration season approaches.

Every spring, a small but mighty signal marks the transition from winter to spring in San Juan Capistrano, California. We're not looking for a blooming flower, or feeling for a warm breeze -- we're awaiting the celebrated return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano. This event, celebrated annually on March 19th, is a local tradition that has captured the imagination and hearts of people around the world. It's a celebration of nature, history, and community, deeply rooted in the traditions of the past and eagerly anticipated each year.

So as our Swallow Week continues here on the Birdorable Blog, we're proud to introduce a new species to the family: the Cliff Swallow! These are the celebrated swallows of San Juan Capistrano, whose return each year is commemorated by the local community.

The story of the Cliff Swallows' return begins with their remarkable migratory pattern. These small birds, known for their agility in the air and their distinctive fork-tailed silhouette, travel approximately 6,000 miles from Goya, Argentina, to San Juan Capistrano each spring. Their journey is a wonder of nature, and shows the magic of the instinctual drive that guides animal migration. The swallows use the old Mission San Juan Capistrano as their nesting place, where they build their mud nests under the eaves and archways of the historic buildings.

Why are these birds celebrated? The tradition dates back to the 1920s when Father St. John O’Sullivan, the pastor of the Mission, noticed the shopkeeper in town knocking down the swallow's mud nests. Moved by the plight of the birds, he welcomed them at the Mission, offering a safe haven for their nests. This act of kindness sparked a lasting relationship between the swallows and the Mission, marking the beginning of an annual celebration that would grow to attract attention far beyond the local community.

The return of the swallows is celebrated today on St. Joseph’s Day, annually on March 19th, a day filled with festivities, cultural performances, and community engagement. The event includes the ringing of the historic Mission bells, live music, including Mariachi bands, Native American storytelling, Flamenco dance performances, and more, all designed to honor both the Cliff Swallows' return, and the cultural heritage of the area. The celebration is a blend of history, culture, and nature, showcasing the community's connection to its environment and its past.

The swallows' return during springtime is symbolic of renewal and rebirth, themes deeply ingrained in the human psyche and celebrated in cultures around the world. For the people of San Juan Capistrano and visitors from around the globe, the swallows' return and their celebration is a seasonal reminder of the resilience of nature and the beauty of life's cyclical patterns.

The return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano is more than just an ornithological event; it's a celebration deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the community, symbolizing hope, the renewal of spring, and the enduring bond between humans and the natural world. As we celebrate the swallows' return each year, we are reminded of the beauty of nature, the richness of tradition, and the importance of community in our lives.

Today we're introducing a new member to our Birdorable family in honor of Swallow Week: it's our Birdorable Bank Swallow.

The Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) is a small, agile bird with a distinctive brown back, white underparts, and a unique band across its chest. This bird, the smallest swallow in North America, holds a special place in the hearts of bird enthusiasts for its remarkable characteristics and behaviors. Let's dive into some interesting facts about the Bank Swallow, its longevity, conservation status, diet, habitat, and nesting habits.

Bank Swallows are highly sociable during their breeding season. They nest in large colonies that can include hundreds, sometimes thousands, of individual nests. 

These birds are expert flyers, catching insects mid-air with their mouths. Their flight is fast, with quick wing beats and sudden turns and dives.  Despite their small size, like most swallow species they are long-distance migrants, wintering in South America and breeding across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Bank Swallow populations have been declining in several areas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and challenges due to climate change. They are particularly vulnerable because they rely on undisturbed riverbanks and sandy cliffs for nesting. The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but the declines in some regions have raised conservation concerns.

Bank Swallows feed almost exclusively on flying insects, including flies, mosquitoes, mayflies, and beetles. They catch their prey in flight, using their acrobatic flying skills to maneuver and capture insects. This diet makes them valuable for controlling insect populations, including agricultural pests and disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The Bank Swallow's name comes from its unique nesting habits; it lives and breeds primarily in sandy banks along rivers, lakes, and quarries. These habitats provide the vertical surfaces necessary for the birds to excavate their nesting tunnels. Across their Old World range, Bank Swallows are known as Collared Sand Martins.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Bank Swallow's life is its nesting behavior. They dig tunnels in vertical sand or dirt banks, often forming large colonies with many nests close together. They use their specially adapted small conical bills, feet, and wings to dig out their burrows. Each tunnel, typically 2-3 feet deep, ends in a nesting chamber where the female lays 4-5 white eggs.

Both parents share in feeding the chicks, which fledge about three weeks after hatching. The communal aspect of their nesting sites provides some protection against predators, although the nests are still vulnerable to disturbances and predation.

The Bank Swallow is a remarkable bird with fascinating behaviors, from its long-distance migrations to its unique nesting habits. Despite facing challenges from habitat loss and other threats, conservation efforts aim to ensure that these agile flyers continue to grace our skies and riversides for generations to come.

This week we're celebrating Swallows! Swallows, along with Martins and Saw-wings, belong to the songbird family Hirundinidae. There are about 90 species in this widespread family. We've got a handful here in the Birdorable family, and we'll be adding a few more as our celebration of Swallows rolls on this week. Today, we'll share some interesting facts about this fascinating family of birds.

Masters of Flight

Swallows, martins, and saw-wings are known for their exceptional flying skills. They have streamlined bodies, long pointed wings, and short bills, all of which enable them to perform acrobatic maneuvers in the air. These adaptations are crucial for catching insects while flying.

Long-Distance Migrants

Many species within this family are long-distance migrants. For example, the Barn Swallow, one of the most widespread species of swallow globally, migrates from northern breeding grounds in Europe and North America to wintering areas in Central and South America and southern Africa, covering thousands of miles in their yearly migrations.

Global Distribution

Swallows are found almost everywhere in the world (making them cosmopolitan), from the Arctic to the tip of South America. Different species have adapted to a wide range of habitats, including open countryside, wetlands, and even urban areas.

Muddy Nesting Habits

Swallows and martins have diverse nesting habits, and a lot of them involve mud or dirt. While many species construct mud nests on man-made structures or natural sites like cliffs, others, like the Bank Swallow (or Sand Martin), excavate tunnels in sandy banks or cliffs. The intricacy of their nests and the communal nesting habits of some species, like the Purple Martin, showcase their complex social structures and adaptability.

Communication and Social Behavior

Swallows tend to be very social and often form large flocks during migration and in their wintering grounds. They communicate with a wide range of vocalizations and songs, which play a role in social cohesion, territory defense, and mating.

Insect Control

Swallows, martins, and saw-wings consume large quantities of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and beetles, making them invaluable for natural pest control. Their predilection for feeding in flight means they play a critical role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling insect populations.

Cultural Significance

Swallows and martins have been symbols of hope, spring, and renewal in various cultures around the world. The return of the swallows is celebrated in different parts of the world as a herald of spring, most famously at Mission San Juan Capistrano in California. Tune in tomorrow to learn more about the Swallows of San Juan Capistrano!

Longevity

Swallows can live relatively long lives for birds of their size. The average lifespan across species is around four to five years, but some individuals have been known to live over a decade. The current longevity record for the family belongs to the Barn Swallow with a record lifespan of 15 years and 11 months. The longest known lived Purple Martin was 13 years and 9 months old. Like most longevity information for wild birds, these records are known from bird banding programs. The longevity record for the Tree Swallow is 12 years and 1 month, for the Cliff Swallow is 11 years and 10 months, and for the Cave Swallow is 12 years and 2 months.

Survival Challenges

Despite their widespread presence, longevity, and adaptability, some swallow and martin species face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Changes in insect populations due to pesticide use have a major impact on food availability, posing challenges to their survival.

Remarkable Adaptability

Swallows and martins exhibit a wide range of adaptations to different habitats. From the Barn Swallow, comfortable in urban and rural areas alike, to the Alpine Swift, which can be found at high altitudes, these birds have colonized a diverse array of environments across the globe.

National Recognition

The Barn Swallow is the national bird of two countries in Europe: Austria and Estonia. Across much of Europe, the Barn Swallow is seen as a symbol of rebirth, as it returns to the region to breed in the springtime. Yes, the national bird of these two countries does not live there full time!