Fauna Flora Photography

Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor

A migratory bird native to North America. Nests in natural cavities in trees and artificial cavities. Its mostly insects which it catches and swallows in flight. Migrates South with arrival of winter.

Specs

Length13-15cm
Weight11-14g
Wingspan18-20cm

Common Names

GermanSumpfschwalbe
EnglishTree Swallow
FrenchHirondelle bicolore
SpanishGolondrina bicolor

Taxonomy

OrderPasseriformes
FamilyHirundinidae
SpeciesTachycineta bicolor

How to Identify

Both female and male have white belly. Males back is metal blue while females back is dark brown.

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) - Parc Île Saint Bernard - 2018-05-12
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) - Parc des Rapides - 2018-05-05

Where and When to Spot

In all parks around Montreal. Open areas like fields and water surface near ponds and rivers. This bird flies fast and erratic while scanning the air for insects and catching them.

SpringSummerFallWinter
Boisé Des Douze x - - -
Jardin Botanique de Montréal x - - -
Parc Angrignon x x - -
Parc de la Frayère x x - -

Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.


Last updated on 2023-12-15. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.