ExploreBirds

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

The Violet-green Swallow is a small, colorful bird with shiny green wings and a lovely violet throat. They are quick flyers and love to catch insects in the air, making them fun to watch!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Violet-green Swallow is a small bird with a glossy iridescent green back and purple rump, contrasting sharply with its pure white belly. It has distinctive white patches that extend above and slightly behind its eyes, making it visually different from other swallows.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyHirundinidaeGenusTachycineta
Violet-green Swallow
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Violet-green Swallow

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their shimmering colors appear to change from green to violet depending on how light hits their feathers!

These birds often nest in small groups, sometimes sharing apartment-like homes in cliffs!

They use soft feathers and plant materials to line their cozy nests, making them extra comfy!

Violet-green Swallows gather thousands of insects every day to feed themselves and their growing babies!

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Acrobat

Violet-green Swallows can perform incredible aerial maneuvers because of their sleek bodies and pointed wings that help them catch insects mid-flight.

Ability

Cavity Dweller

Violet-green Swallows have the ability to nest in natural tree hollows or old woodpecker holes that help them shelter their young safely.

Ability

Water Skimmer

Violet-green Swallows can drink water while flying because of their agile flight that helps them scoop sips from ponds.

Measurements & details

Length
12.5-13.5 cm
Wingspan
28-30 cm
Weight
0.012-0.016 kg
Lifespan
3-7 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
4-6
Incubation
13-16 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These agile fliers are expert bug catchers, eating almost every insect they find in the air.

Primary Foods

  • Flies
  • Beetles
  • Ants
  • Wasps
  • Mosquitoes

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Violet-green Swallow?

12.5-13.5 cm

What is Violet-green Swallow's wingspan?

28-30 cm

How much does Violet-green Swallow weigh?

0.012-0.016 kg

How long does Violet-green Swallow live?

3-7 years

How fast can Violet-green Swallow move?

60 km/h

What does Violet-green Swallow eat?

These agile fliers are expert bug catchers, eating almost every insect they find in the air.

Where is Violet-green Swallow usually found?

Forests

How does Violet-green Swallow hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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