Barn Swallows in Newfoundland and Labrador
When barn swallows are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.
- Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–6b
When to expect barn swallows in Newfoundland and Labrador
Barn Swallows are summer residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on flies, beetles and moths.
Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador
Across Newfoundland and Labrador, 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.
Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.
- Barn Swallows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern white pine, paper birch, red maple for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract barn swallows
Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 8 provide food or cover barn swallows use:
Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.
Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.
Deciduous conifer with small cones for siskins and redpolls.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Feeding barn swallows through the Newfoundland and Labrador year
Barn swallows nest on ledges under eaves and in barns; an open-front ledge shelf gives them a site.
- Best foods: .
- In Newfoundland and Labrador's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are barn swallows in Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?
No. Barn Swallows are summer breeders in Newfoundland and Labrador and leave for the winter.
When do barn swallows nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador?
Eastern white pine, Paper birch, Red maple, Chokecherry, Balsam fir, White spruce, Tamarack, Willow (Bebb) are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for barn swallows.
Barn Swallows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador
Sources
- Barn Swallow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Barn Swallow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Barn Swallow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Newfoundland and Labrador
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.