Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)
 
Status in the Checklist Area - Common*
     
 
Information

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.
 
Photographs
           
           
             
                   
                   
Audio and Video    
None available.
 

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