ExploreBirds

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

The Bank Swallow is a small bird that loves to dig tunnels in sandy banks. They are great fliers and can be seen swooping over water to catch tiny insects.

Habitat: Coastal areas, wetlands

Appearance

The Bank Swallow has dull brown upperparts and white underparts, distinctly separated by a single narrow brown band across its breast. Its tail is slightly forked, and it possesses a small bill. This brown breast band makes it visually unique among North American swallows.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyHirundinidaeGenusRiparia
Bank Swallow
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgewetland trait badge
Bank Swallow

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby swallows are ready to fly and leave the nest in only 3 weeks!

Bank Swallows can raise two families of chicks in just one summer!

These tiny birds dig long tunnels, sometimes three feet deep, to make their nests!

They are the smallest swallow species found in Europe and North America!

Special abilities

Ability

Burrow Architect

Bank Swallows can dig intricate tunnels in sandy banks because of their strong claws and beaks, which provides safe nest sites.

Ability

Aerial Hunter

Bank Swallows has incredible aerial agility that helps them snatch tiny flying insects mid-air with impressive precision.

Ability

Social Nester

Bank Swallows can live in large colonies, sometimes numbering thousands, which helps them detect predators and share information.

Measurements & details

Length
12-14 cm
Wingspan
28-33 cm
Weight
0.01-0.02 kg
Lifespan
1-8 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
4-5
Incubation
14-16 days
Migration Distance
8000 km

Diet & Feeding

They are expert insect hunters, catching flying bugs like mosquitoes and flies right out of the air!

Primary Foods

  • Mosquitoes
  • Midges
  • Flies
  • Beetles
  • Ants

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Hunts adult swallows during migration and breeding season.

eaten by

Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Preys on eggs and chicks within nesting tunnels.

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

Feeds on adult mosquitoes, helping control their populations.

hunts

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Catches larger flying insects like bees for food.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch these birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Bank Swallow?

12-14 cm

What is Bank Swallow's wingspan?

28-33 cm

How much does Bank Swallow weigh?

0.01-0.02 kg

How long does Bank Swallow live?

1-8 years

How fast can Bank Swallow move?

45 km/h

What does Bank Swallow eat?

They are expert insect hunters, catching flying bugs like mosquitoes and flies right out of the air!

Where is Bank Swallow usually found?

Coastal areas, wetlands

How does Bank Swallow hunt?

Pursuit

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