Manitoba · Summer breeder

Tree Swallows in Manitoba

When tree swallows are present in Manitoba, when they nest, which native Manitoba plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.

Swallows (Hirundinidae)Tree SwallowTachycineta bicolor

Status in Manitoba: Summer breeder
Nesting window: June
Broods: 1 per season
Hardiness zones: Canada 1a–3b
Nest box: 1 1/2 in hole, 5 × 5 in floor, 5–10 ft

When to expect tree swallows in Manitoba

Tree Swallows are summer residents in Manitoba, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on flies, mayflies and dragonflies.

Continental, from prairie in the southwest to boreal forest and Hudson Bay tundra in the north.

Nesting in Manitoba

Across Manitoba, tree swallows typically nest from June. Nest site: nest box or tree cavity lined with feathers. Females lay 4–7 eggs, incubate for 11–20 days, and young leave the nest after 15–25 days.

Warm summers with a short, intense nesting season.

Have boxes cleaned and mounted before May — tree swallows begin prospecting ahead of egg-laying.
Use a 1 1/2 in entrance on a 5 × 5 in floor, mounted 5–10 ft.
Fit a pole baffle or hole guard; ventilation gaps and drainage holes are essential.
Clean out old nests after each brood and again after June.

Native Manitoba plants that attract tree swallows

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

Bur oak

Quercus macrocarpa · Tree

Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

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

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.

Eastern white pine

Pinus strobus · Tree

Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.

Paper birch

Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Common hackberry

Celtis occidentalis · Tree

Sweet dry fruit on the branch all winter.

Feeding tree swallows through the Manitoba year

Tree swallows readily take bluebird-style nest boxes; mount boxes in pairs 15–25 ft apart to share with bluebirds.

Best foods: Crushed eggshells in spring.
In Manitoba's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for tree swallows · Best feeder for tree swallows

Frequently asked

Are tree swallows in Manitoba year-round?

No. Tree Swallows are summer breeders in Manitoba and leave for the winter.

When do tree swallows nest in Manitoba?

Nesting in Manitoba typically runs June, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–7 eggs, incubated for 11–20 days.

What native plants attract tree swallows in Manitoba?

Bur oak, American elderberry, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Eastern white pine, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Common hackberry are native plants in Manitoba that provide food or cover for tree swallows.

What size birdhouse hole do tree swallows need?

1 1/2 in, with a floor of 5 × 5 in mounted 5–10 ft.

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.