Tree Swallows in Northwest Territories
When tree swallows are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
- Nest box
- 1 1/2 in hole, 5 × 5 in floor, 5–10 ft
When to expect tree swallows in Northwest Territories
Tree Swallows are summer residents in Northwest Territories, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on flies, mayflies and dragonflies.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, 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.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- 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 Northwest Territories plants that attract tree swallows
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 7 provide food or cover tree swallows use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
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.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Feeding tree swallows through the Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories'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 Northwest Territories year-round?
No. Tree Swallows are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do tree swallows nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories typically runs June, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–7 eggs, incubated for 11–20 days.
What native plants attract tree swallows in Northwest Territories?
Paper birch, Chokecherry, Balsam fir, White spruce, Tamarack, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch are native plants in Northwest Territories 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.
Tree Swallows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
Sources
- Tree Swallow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Tree Swallow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Tree Swallow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Northwest Territories
- 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.