A colorful harbinger of spring, the hardy Tree swallow arrives from the south during February each year. It is a highly social species that is usually observed in large flocks often with Violet-green and other swallow species.

It is not colonial but several pairs may nest together if available cavities are clustered. The Tree swallow is a bird of open places near water and is seldom seen in residential neighborhoods or built-up urban areas. It is the only swallow that eats berries and small seeds as well as insects.

In Oregon, it is a locally abundant summer resident and breeding bird throughout the state, typically near water with adjacent snags. Distribution and population levels are mainly limited by the availability of suitable nesting cavities.

Hear the song of the Tree swallow

Photo by Charlotte Ganscopp