Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

 

(Photo by BarrytheBirder)

Tree Swallows are one of the most prolific swallow soecies in North America.   They are common and widespread in summer, nesting in holes in trees or in birdhouses (especially bluebird boxes).   They are common in wooded habitat near water, also nest in fence posts and barn eaves.

Tree Swallows are distinctly bicoloured, dark glossy blue or greenish above and very white below.   Their dark caps go down level of the eyes.

They migrate in huge flocks, going north earlier in spring and linger farther north in fall than other swallows. 

They form huge flocks in the fall and unlike most swallows, they winter regularly in southern United States, feeding on berries when insects are scarce.

Tree Swallows breed from Alaska to Labrador and south to southern California and Maryland, as well as occasionally to the Gulf Coast.   They winter from central California south, along the Gulf Coast, sparingly on the Atlantic coast, and also in Central America.  

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BarrytheBirder