Swallows

Bank Swallow, Riparia riparia

Family Hirundinidae (Swallows)

Size: 5"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Steep, sandy banks along river and pond edges

The bank swallow is a gregarious small swallow, highly associated with riparian areas, that breeds in large, busy colonies. The wings are relatively thin and pointed, the tail is slightly notched, and the bill is tiny with a wide gape. The upperparts are dark brown (a bit lighter on the back than on the wings), and the underparts, throat, and lower face are white, with a brown collar across the breast. With agile flight and quick wing beats, they snatch insects from the air. Bank swallows are similar to northern rough-winged swallows, which have more squared-off tails and only suffuse brown about the breast and lower face. The adult is illustrated.