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Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)
songbird's song
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uses birdhouses
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uses wildlife trees
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FIELD MARKS
The male Violet-green Swallow is dull green on its crown, nape, wings
and back with distinct white patches on either side of its rump. It has
a violet tinge on its wings, nape, the back of its crown and tail. Look
for its pure white underparts and forked tail. The white on its throat
and head extends over the cheeks and above the eye. Females tend to be
duller. The Tree Swallow looks very similar in appearance but the Violet-green
has very visible white patches on either side of its rump area. Approximate
length: 12 cm
FOOD
Main diet of insects.
HABITAT
This swallow prefers open forests or mountains and is often seen in higher
elevations than the other swallows. It is commonly seen around human habitation.
NESTING
The Violet-green Swallow nests in semi-open areas such as open forests
or prairies. Nests are built in natural cavities of live or dead trees,
crevices in cliffs, woodpecker holes or birdhouses. They are made of dry
grass, horsehair, straw and fine twigs, lined with feathers. The female
lays 4-6 white eggs.
STATUS
Stable in most areas. Their population may be suffering from competition
for nest sites with the introduced House Sparrow and European Starling.
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