Newfoundland and Labrador · Summer breeder

Tree Swallows in Newfoundland and Labrador

When tree 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.

Swallows (Hirundinidae)Tree SwallowTachycineta bicolor

Status in Newfoundland and Labrador: Summer breeder
Nesting window: June
Broods: 1 per season
Hardiness zones: Canada 0a–6b
Nest box: 1 1/2 in hole, 5 × 5 in floor, 5–10 ft

When to expect tree swallows in Newfoundland and Labrador

Tree 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, mayflies and dragonflies.

Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.

Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador

Across Newfoundland and Labrador, 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.

Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.

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 Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract tree swallows

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

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.

Red maple

Acer rubrum · Tree

Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Balsam fir

Abies balsamea · Tree

Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.

White spruce

Picea glauca · Tree

Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.

Tamarack

Larix laricina · Tree

Deciduous conifer with small cones for siskins and redpolls.

Willow (Bebb)

Salix bebbiana · Shrub

Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.

Feeding tree swallows through the Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador'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 Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?

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

When do tree swallows nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?

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

What native plants attract tree 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 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.