Riparia riparia
adult
The Bank Swallow is a small songbird that spends much of its time on the wing. The sexes are similar. Adults have gray-brown upperparts and mainly white underparts with a clearly defined brown breast band. There is a clear-cut division between the brown cap and white throat. Juveniles are similar to adults but the wing feathers have pale rufous margins. In flight, all birds show rather narrow wings and a slightly forked tail.
The Bank Swallow is present as a breeding species across much of northern North America, mainly from April to September. It spends the rest of the year in South America. It catches insects in flight, often over water, gathering in considerable numbers if the feeding is good. As their name suggests, Bank Swallows nest in holes in banks, often in sizeable colonies.
adult
Roger Tidman: Bank Swallow.
FACT FILE
LENGTH 5.25–5.5 in (13.5–14 cm)
FOOD Insects
HABITAT Open wetland habitats, with banks for nesting
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor
VOICE Song comprises a series of abrupt, twittering notes. Typical call is a buzzing prrrt
