Short-tailed and long-winged, Violet-green Swallows are one of our smallest swallow species and among the first swallow to arrive in the spring. Males are brighter with more white faces than females. Often forms huge flocks during spring and fall migration. During poor weather or in areas with high food hundreds will congregate together. Will nest in bird houses if natural cavities are not available. Early March is the typical arrival time for this species. Most have left the checklist area for their wintering grounds in Central America by the middle of September.
Similar species:
Tree Swallows are a little larger with a bluish colour rather than green. White does not extend on the rump or above the eye on Tree Swallows.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| 27-March-2009 | Island 22, Chilliwack | D. Drediger | About 1200 on wires during poor weather with more feeding low over Fraser River. |
| 25-February-2008 | Harrison Mills | G. Gadsden | One with Tree Swallows. Earliest sighting on record. |
| 21-September-2008 | Island 22, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden | One over Fraser River with Barn Swallows and Vaux's Swifts. Latest sighting on record. |
Photos
