Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor
Swallow family (Hirundinidae)

Habitat:
Open areas near woods and water.

Description:
Medium-sized swallow, 5” long.  Upperparts iridescent greenish-blue, underparts white.  Long narrow pointed wings.

Nesting:
Nests in natural cavities or in artificial nest boxes.  Nest is lined with large downy feathers, often placed so curved tips of feathers curl over and cover eggs.  Eggs are white.  Clutch size – 4 to 7 eggs.

Voice:
Song is three descending notes followed by a warble.  “Cheedeep” call is given as an alarm call.

Name Origin:
Tachycineta:  tachys, Greek for “swift”; kineo, Greek for “to move”, hence “swift mover”; bicolor, Latin for “two-colored”

In the Nature Park:
Neotropical migrant, arrives in April.  Tree Swallows nest in the artificial nest boxes near the Quarry Pond.