Georgia · Summer breeder

Barn Swallows in Georgia

When barn swallows are present in Georgia, when they nest, which native Georgia plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 7a–9a yard.

Swallows (Hirundinidae)Barn SwallowHirundo rustica

Status in Georgia: Summer breeder
Nesting window: April–July
Broods: 1–2 per season
Hardiness zones: USDA 7a–9a

When to expect barn swallows in Georgia

Barn Swallows are summer residents in Georgia, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on flies, beetles and moths.

Humid subtropical, with cooler mountains in the north and a warm coastal plain in the south.

Nesting in Georgia

Across Georgia, barn swallows typically nest from April–July. Nest site: mud cup on beams and ledges under shelter. Females lay 3–7 eggs, incubate for 12–17 days, and young leave the nest after 15–27 days.

Hot, humid summers; bluebirds can raise three broods but boxes in full sun overheat.

Barn Swallows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as flowering dogwood, serviceberry, white oak for nest sites.
Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Native Georgia plants that attract barn swallows

Of the regional native plants we track for Georgia, these 8 provide food or cover barn swallows use:

Flowering dogwood

Cornus florida · Tree

High-fat fall fruit critical before migration and winter.

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea · Tree

Early-summer berries.

White oak

Quercus alba · Tree

Supports hundreds of caterpillar species used to feed nestlings.

Black cherry

Prunus serotina · Tree

Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.

Arrowwood viburnum

Viburnum dentatum · Shrub

Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin · Shrub

Lipid-rich red fruit fuels fall migrants.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Feeding barn swallows through the Georgia year

Barn swallows nest on ledges under eaves and in barns; an open-front ledge shelf gives them a site.

Best foods: .
In Georgia's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for barn swallows

Frequently asked

Are barn swallows in Georgia year-round?

No. Barn Swallows are summer breeders in Georgia and leave for the winter.

When do barn swallows nest in Georgia?

Nesting in Georgia typically runs April–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 3–7 eggs, incubated for 12–17 days.

What native plants attract barn swallows in Georgia?

Flowering dogwood, Serviceberry, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, Spicebush, Tall goldenrod are native plants in Georgia that provide food or cover for barn swallows.

Other backyard birds in Georgia

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Carolina Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Blue Jay House Finch Purple Finch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Carolina Wren Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Orchard Oriole Pine Siskin Indigo Bunting Painted Bunting Eastern Towhee Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Eastern Screech-Owl Wood Thrush Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird House Sparrow European Starling Rufous Hummingbird White-crowned Sparrow Fox Sparrow Eurasian Collared-Dove

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.