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A Beginners Guide to North American Swallows




Swallows have long and pointed wings, round heads, and small
legs and feet. Most species have notched or deeply forked tails
with short bills and wide mouths.

All are strong, elegant fliers.

Swallows are often found together in large flocks and
perch on wires. They are often found in mixed flocks.
Some species nest in colonies.


They feed almost entirely on insects.

Picture Barn Swallow




The barn swallow is probably the most abundant swallow in the
world.

The largest North American swallow is the purple martin.

Two species that construct nests composed of little mud pellets
are the cliff swallow, whose closed nests can often be found in
rows on the outside walls of barns, and the cave swallow, whose
nests are open at the top.

Swallows are members of the family of passerine birds.


Swallows include:

Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Cave Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Northern Rough Winged Swallow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
Violet Green Swallow


See Also: 

Purple Martins

Index of All Perching Birds


Index of All Bird Care & Birdie Fun Stuff

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