Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor); All You Need To Know
The Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) is a small, fast-flying songbird known for its shiny blue-green feathers and graceful flight. Common across North America, this bird thrives in open areas near water, where it catches insects mid-air and nests in tree cavities or bird boxes.
Tree Swallows are highly social and often seen in large flocks, especially during migration. They’re not just pretty birds — they play an important role in insect control and are widely studied by scientists.
In this infographic, we’ll explore everything about the Tree Swallow — from its appearance to its habits and conservation status.
🌿 Tree Swallow
A Complete Guide to North America’s Aerial Acrobat
🧬 Taxonomy & Etymology
bicolor: “Two-colored” (blue-green above, white below)
✨ Physical Appearance
Adult Males
- Iridescent blue-green upperparts
- Clean white belly
- Blackish wings and tail
- Dark eye-mask
- Brighter coloration than females
Females & Juveniles
- Similar pattern but duller
- Brownish tones in younger birds
- Juveniles: mostly brown above
- Subtle white rump patch
- Light underparts
📊 Physical Statistics
🌍 Distribution & Habitat
🥘 Diet & Feeding
🏠 Nesting & Reproduction
📊 Conservation Status
Population: Around 16-20 million individuals
Trend: Slight decline noted
IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Loss of natural cavities
- Competition from non-native species
- House Sparrows and Starlings
- Wetland pollution (mercury, PCBs)
- Habitat pressures
🌟 Amazing Facts
🗺️ Range Map Legend
Tree swallow fun facts To Know
Iridescent Beauty
Tree Swallows have shiny, metallic feathers on their backs. When sunlight hits just right, their feathers shine in brilliant shades of blue and green. This makes them one of the most beautiful swallows in North America.
Feather Collectors
Tree Swallows love to line their nests with white feathers. It’s not just for comfort — the feathers help keep the chicks warm and may even scare off parasites or predators.
Super Flyers
They are amazing fliers. With long, pointed wings and quick turns, Tree Swallows can catch flying insects in mid-air. They spend a lot of their time gliding and diving across open spaces near water.
Big Family Gatherings
Before migration, Tree Swallows form huge flocks — sometimes with thousands or even hundreds of thousands of birds! These giant groups can look like swirling clouds, especially in the evening sky.
Flexible Diet
Although they mostly eat flying insects, Tree Swallows are unique among swallows because they can also eat berries and seeds. This helps them survive during cold weather when insects are hard to find.
Science Stars
These birds are popular in research. Scientists study them to learn about bird behavior, parenting, migration, and how pollution affects wildlife.
Box Lovers
They readily nest in man-made bird boxes, which has helped bird lovers and scientists study them closely. If you put up a nest box in the right spot, a Tree Swallow might move in!
Long Life for a Small Bird
Although small, some Tree Swallows live surprisingly long lives. The oldest known Tree Swallow lived to be over 12 years old!
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