About the Tree Swallow
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…
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ID tip
The tree swallow has a length between about 12 and 14 cm (4.7 and 5.5 in) and a weight of approximately 17 to 25.5 g (0.60 to 0.90 oz). Wingspan ranges from 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in). The male has mostly glossy blue-green upperparts, the wings and tail being blackish. The underparts and the cheek patch are white, although the underwing coverts are gray-brown. The bill is black, the eyes dark brown, and the legs and feet pale brown. The female is duller in color than the male, and sometimes has a brown forehead. Voice: The tree swallow's song consists of three parts: the chirp, the whine, and the gurgle. These sections may be repeated or omitted, and all can stand alone.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Tree Swallow sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Colombia, Portugal, Iceland, Russia, French Guiana, France.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Violet-green SwallowTachycineta thalassinaThe distinct body form of swallows distinguishes them from other passerine birds.
Chilean SwallowTachycineta leucopygaThe Chilean swallow is about 13 centimetres (5.1 in) in length and weighs 15–20 grams (0.53–0.71 oz).
Mangrove SwallowTachycineta albilineaA relatively small swallow, the mangrove swallow is 11–12 centimetres (4.3–4.7 in) long and weighs about 14 grams (0.5 oz).
Side by side: Tree Swallow vs Violet-green Swallow · Chilean Swallow vs Tree Swallow · Mangrove Swallow vs Tree Swallow
Learn the Tree Swallow for real
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