Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow
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: Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae : Tachycineta : bicolor
Binomial name
Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot, 1808)

The Tree Swallow, Tachycineta bicolor, is a member of the bird family Hirundinidae.

They breed in North America and are migratory, wintering from Mexico southwards. This species is a very rare vagrant to western Europe.

These passerine birds average 5 inches long with a tiny bill. Their plumage has iridiscent blue-green upperparts, white underparts, and a forked tail; the female has duller colours than male. Juvenile plumage is dull brown above and may have hint of a gray breast band.

Tree Swallows nest in cavities near water and are often found in large flocks. They subsist primarily on a diet of insects, supplemented with small quantities of fruit.

External links

• http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/i6140id.html