natlands.org
Tree swallows are one of the primary competitors of bluebirds for nest space. When the bluebirds abandoned the nest they they had begun building in our nest box in 2014, a pair of tree swallows took it over and successfully raised a brood of young.
Tree swallows are beautiful birds, with metallic teal coloring on their head, wings and back, and white coloring underneath. They are spectacular aerial acrobats, catching insects on the wing for most of their diet.
Tree swallows are migratory, spending winters in the southern U.S., Mexico and Central America and returning north in early spring.
Tree swallows typically begin building their nests in April, using small twigs, grass or pine needles, then lining the nest with feathers.
