Riparia riparia

Description

This is a small swallow and they have a brown back. Underparts are white, with the exception of the dark brown band that goes across the upper part of the chest. A very fluttery bird, this swallow’s flight is more irregular than most swallows.

Voice

They have a trilled rattle of brrt or trr-tri-tri.

Habitat

Bank swallows can be found either near water or in fields and meadow. They have nest colonies which can be found in sand banks.

Diet

Bank swallows eat flying insects.

Range

These birds are concentrated in the northern part of the country during the summer, from Alaska over to New England, but also can be found in parts of Texas. They winter in South America, Mexico, Asia, and Africa.

Other Useful Information

Bank swallows live in colonies. There can be anywhere between 2 and 2,000 nests in each colony.

Similar Species

Northern rough-winged swallow and juvenile tree swallows.