An Activity Guide About the Songbirds of British Columbia Family HIRUNDINIDAE: Swallows

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta Bicolor) uses birdhouses uses wildlife trees FIELD MARKS The male Tree Swallow is glossy blue, with greenish reflections on its head and wings. It has pure white underparts up to its black bill. Its tail is slightly forked. The female is very similar but somewhat duller. The Violet-green Swallow looks very similar in appearance but they have very visible white patches on either side of its rump area. Approximate length: 13 cm FOOD Like other swallows, their main food source is insects, but Tree Swallows also eat some berries. HABITAT Tree Swallows prefer open areas, often near water. They can be found mostly at lower altitudes, in areas such as wetlands, lakes, slow-moving rivers, reservoirs, or even sewage lagoons. They also live around grasslands, farmlands and rural and urban residential areas. NESTING Nests sites include natural cavities in dead trees and old woodpecker holes in live trees. They readily take to birdhouses and even can be found in colonies in "apartment type" bird houses. Their nest is built by the female using dry grasses, pine needles, stems, twigs and lined with feathers of other types of birds. The female lays 4-7 pale pink or white eggs. STATUS Common and widespread. They have especially benefited from "bluebird nest box" programs since they are easily attracted to bird houses.