Tree Swallow
ExploreBirds
Tree Swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
The Tree Swallow is a small, colorful bird with shiny greenish-blue feathers. They love to fly high and catch insects in the air!
Habitat: Open fields near water, like lakes and rivers.
Appearance
The Tree Swallow has an iridescent, metallic blue-green back and a pure white belly, giving it a striking contrast. Its sleek body and pointed wings make it distinct from other swallow species, which may have darker undersides or different tail shapes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyHirundinidaeGenusTachycineta
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
118
Interesting facts
A single Tree Swallow can catch over 2,000 flying insects in one day!
These birds use their sticky saliva to help build their cozy nests!
They often use old woodpecker holes or human-made nest boxes.
Tree Swallows sometimes sunbathe to help get rid of tiny parasites!
Special abilities
Ability
Aerial Acrobatics
Tree Swallows can dart and weave through the air because of their sleek body and pointed wings that help them catch flying insects.
Ability
Berry Digestion
Tree Swallows can eat waxy berries in winter because their unique digestive system allows them to process plant matter when insects are scarce.
Ability
Cozy Nester
Tree Swallows have soft, white breast feathers that help them insulate their nests, keeping their eggs and chicks warm and cozy.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 12-15 cm
- Wingspan
- 30-34 cm
- Weight
- 0.017-0.021 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-8 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 4-7
- Incubation
- 13-16 days
- Migration Distance
- 4000 km
Diet & Feeding
Acrobatic birds primarily feast on flying insects, but can also eat berries when bugs are scarce.
Primary Foods
- flies
- mosquitoes
- beetles
- dragonflies
- bayberries
- sumac berries
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
A quick raptor that may prey on adult swallows.
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Climbs trees to raid nests for eggs and chicks.
eats
Northern Bayberry
Myrica pensylvanica
Eats waxy berries for energy during cold months.
depends on
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Competes with swallows for coveted nesting cavities.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Also known as
Blue SwallowWhite-bellied Swallow
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Tree Swallows are friendly and not dangerous. Just enjoy watching them from a distance!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Tree Swallow?
The easiest way to identify Tree Swallow is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Tree Swallow?
12-15 cm
What is Tree Swallow's wingspan?
30-34 cm
How much does Tree Swallow weigh?
0.017-0.021 kg
How long does Tree Swallow live?
2-8 years
How fast can Tree Swallow move?
60 km/h
What does Tree Swallow eat?
Acrobatic birds primarily feast on flying insects, but can also eat berries when bugs are scarce.
Where is Tree Swallow usually found?
Open fields near water, like lakes and rivers.
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Jun 6, 2026
Mount Ecclesiai
Photo attribution
(c) zr217, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
Mount Ecclesiai
Photo attribution
(c) zr217, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
Reeves-Reed Arboretumi
Photo attribution
(c) foxsu, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
Port Jefferson Village Historic Districti
Photo attribution
(c) bluepink, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 3, 2026
Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Centeri
Photo attribution
(c) Bonnie Semmling, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Park113 sightings16 species
Minnesota, US
William O'Brien State Park
You might spot Rue Anemone, Eastern Skunk Cabbage, and Bloodroot.
View guide →
Park91 sightings15 species
Virginia, US
Royal Lake Park
You might spot Great Blue Heron, Canada Goose, and Red-Winged Blackbird.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Maryland, US
Academy Grove Historic District
You might spot Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, and Eastern Box Turtle.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Alaska, US
Alaska Botanical Garden
You might spot Moose, Fly Agaric, and Bald Eagle.
View guide →
Zoo30 sightings12 species
Alaska, US
Alaska SeaLife Center
You might spot Bald Eagle and Glaucous-Winged Gull.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
New York, US
Allentown Historic District
You might spot Canada Goose, Duck, and Eastern Gray Squirrel.
View guide →
