Violet-Green Swallow (m)
Violet-green Swallows are only found west of the Continental Divide. Take a look at the bird's back, pictured above, to see how they get their name. When they are flying you can easily identify them by the white patch on the bird's rump which shows clearly.
Since swallows are insect eaters, the weather has to be warm enough for their food supply to be available, a sure sign of the advancing year. The two swallows immediately above are both male Tree Swallows. Tree Swallows have iridescent deep-blue backs, white under parts and the long curved wings which all swallows have enabling them to fly far and high in search of hatching insects. All the swallows are superb on the wing. Watch them manoeuvre overhead as the spring days lengthen.
(Move mouse over images above to enlarge &/or see captions.)
(Move mouse over images above to enlarge &/or see captions.)
Tree Swallow from the rear
Barn Swallows nest communally in mud nests under the eaves of buildings or lakeside docks. In addition to the curved wings we've already seen, they have a long forked tail which aids their aerodynamics. They are also very beautiful, with rich colour on face, back and front. Swallows are nature's mosquito repellent!
Barn Swallow chicks waiting to be fed
Northern Rough-winged Swallows (below) are not colourful like Barn Swallows. They nest in holes in banks, or in the crevices between the large cement blocks that form retaining walls, such as those at bridge approaches or on large roadside banks. Watch for them flying in and out when they are feeding their growing chicks. Bank and Cliff swallows also visit us in spring (not pictured).
