Minnesota · Summer breeder

Barn Swallows in Minnesota

When barn swallows are present in Minnesota, when they nest, which native Minnesota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.

Swallows (Hirundinidae)Barn SwallowHirundo rustica

Status in Minnesota: Summer breeder
Nesting window: June–July
Broods: 1–2 per season
Hardiness zones: USDA 3a–5b

When to expect barn swallows in Minnesota

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

Continental, with very cold winters and warm summers; prairie in the west, boreal forest in the northeast.

Nesting in Minnesota

Across Minnesota, barn swallows typically nest from June–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.

A short, intense breeding season; most nesting runs May through July.

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

Native Minnesota plants that attract barn swallows

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

Bur oak

Quercus macrocarpa · Tree

Acorns and bark insects.

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea · Tree

Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.

White oak

Quercus alba · Tree

Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.

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.

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin · Shrub

Lipid-rich red fruit fuels fall migrants.

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Feeding barn swallows through the Minnesota year

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

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

Full diet breakdown for barn swallows

Frequently asked

Are barn swallows in Minnesota year-round?

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

When do barn swallows nest in Minnesota?

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

What native plants attract barn swallows in Minnesota?

Bur oak, Serviceberry, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Spicebush, New England aster, Tall goldenrod are native plants in Minnesota that provide food or cover for barn swallows.

Other backyard birds in Minnesota

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Black-capped 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 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 Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Rose-breasted Grosbeak Evening Grosbeak Pine Siskin Common Redpoll Indigo Bunting Eastern Towhee Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Eastern Screech-Owl Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird American Tree Sparrow House Sparrow European Starling Canada Jay 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.