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BIRD ID
Beginning ID: Common Swallows
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Swallows are relatively small birds that you are most likely to see soaring about over the surface of a lake or open field. They usually alternate soaring in short arcs with a few rapid flutters of their wings.
One of the most widespread swallows is the Tree Swallow. This species nests in tree holes and can be attracted to nest boxes with a 1 1/2" diameter hole. Tree Swallows are a beautiful iridescent metallic blue on their wings and back and bright white on the underside of their bodies, from their chin to their tail. This contrasting white below and iridescent blue above is a good clue to identifying this species. Occasionally their iridescence can look black or with hints of green.
A western species that also lives in bird houses or tree holes is the Violet-green Swallow. Its back is primarily iridescent green and it is all white underneath, with two differences from the Tree Swallow. It sometimes has white that extends back and above its eyes and has white extending up over the sides of its rump.
A third common species of swallow is the Barn Swallow. It is easily recognized from other swallows by its long forked tail, which you can see when the bird is in flight. It also differs from the Tree and Violet-green Swallows by having a cinnamon breast and a reddish-brown throat.
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