One of the most beautiful but least studied of the North American swallows, the violet-green swallow is a delicate western bird with outstanding plumage.
Common Name:
Violet-Green Swallow
Scientific Name:
Tachycineta thalassina
Appearance:
- Bill: Short, black
- Size: 5.25 inches long with 11-inch wingspan, long wings, short tail
- Colors: Green, purple, blue, white, black
- Markings: Dimorphic species. Males have glossy green upperparts with blue-black wings and tail and a purple rump bordered by thick white patches easily visible in flight. Underparts are white, and the white auricular patch extends above the eye. Females are similar but duller overall and have less white on the face.
Foods:
Insects (See: Insectivorous)
Habitat and Migration:
These swallows prefer open woodlands, canyons and open riparian habitats as well as agricultural land bordered by woodlands. During the summer, they are found from Alaska through the Yukon and British Columbia and the western United States to northern Mexico. In winter, violet-green swallows migrate to coastal Mexico and into Central America as far south as northern Nicaragua. Small year-round populations can be found in central California as well as in Baja and some areas of central Mexico.
Vocalizations:
These birds can be quite vocal in flight with liquid "chip" and "twit" notes that have a warbling quality. The pitch is relatively high and may seem buzzy.
Behavior:
These are gregarious birds and will gather in flocks year round, including during nesting season and while foraging. They feed on the wing and capture insects in the air either low over fields or water or high in thermal currents. When their nesting area is threatened, they will chase other swallows away.
Reproduction:
Violet-green swallows are monogamous but nest in colonies with multiple pairs of birds each having their own nest nearby. The female parent will incubate the 4-6 eggs for 13-14 days, and both parents will feed the altricial young for an additional 16-25 days. These cavity-nesting birds raise only one brood per year.
Attracting Violet-Green Swallows:
These swallows will readily use bird houses, particularly in areas where dead trees are routinely cleared and abandoned woodpecker nests are not available. To make an area even more attractive to these birds, insecticide use should be minimized so there is abundant food available.
Similar Birds:
- Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
- White-Throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
- Common House-Martin (Delichon urbicum)
- Bahama Swallow (Tachycineta cyaneoviridis)
Photo - Violet-Green Swallow - Male © Michael Woodruff
Photo - Violet-Green Swallow - Female © Michael Woodruff
Photo - Violet-Green Swallow in Flight © Greg