Tree Swallow
(Tachycineta bicolor) B/M |
 |
RANGE: Breeds from western and central Alaska and
central Yukon to northern Quebec and central Labrador south
along the Pacific Coast to southern California and south-central
New Mexico, generally sporadic or irregular as a breeder east of
the Rocky Mountain States and south of the upper Mississippi and
Ohio Valleys, or along the Atlantic Coast south of
Massachusetts. Winters from southern California, southwestern
Arizona, Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Atlantic Coast from New
York south to Central America.
STATUS: Common.
HABITAT: Prefers open woodlands near ponds, small lakes, or
marshes. Occurs around farmlands, river bottomlands, beaver
ponds, wooded swamps, and marshes where dead standing trees are
in or near water.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Cavities for nesting; suitable
cavity trees must have a minimum dbh of 10 inches, and open
feeding areas such as meadows, marshes, or open water.
NEST: Prefers to nest in natural cavities and abandoned
woodpecker holes, but if nesting holes are scarce, will accept
nest boxes placed in open fields or use crevices in buildings.
Uses cavities in the trunk or limb of live or dead trees,
especially if the cavity is 3 to 15 feet above water. Usually
nests singly but is loosely colonial if there are abundant
suitable cavities and a good food supply.
FOOD: Feeds mostly on flying insects over open areas. In early
spring and in cold weather when insects are scarce, subsists on
wild berries and seeds, especially bayberries.
REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Beal 1918, Chapman 1955, DeGraff
et al. 1980, Forbush and May 1955, Johnsgard 1979, Miller 1999,
Scott et al. 1977, Shunk 2004, Terres 1980, Thomas et al. 1979. |
