A common swallow found throughout most of the checklist area in the summer months. Often one of the first swallow species to appear in the spring. Unique among swallows, other than Barn Swallows, by having the habit of eating berries when insects are unavailable. Females in their first year are much more drab than adult males but become brighter in their next molt. Nests in tree cavities or nest boxes often near water. Builds large pre-migratory flocks prior to migration south to Central America. The first week of March is the average yearly arrival time for this species in our checklist area. Late August is the latest this species has been recorded to date.

Similar species:
A drab female or juvenile could look similar to Northern Rough-winged or Bank Swallow on a casual glance.

Violet-green Swallows have similar iridescent plumage but is greenish rather than bluish. The white on a Tree Swallow does not extend up on the rump or above the eye.

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)

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