Nova Scotia · Summer breeder

Tree Swallows in Nova Scotia

When tree swallows are present in Nova Scotia, when they nest, which native Nova Scotia plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canadian zones 5a–7a yard.

Swallows (Hirundinidae)Tree SwallowTachycineta bicolor

Status in Nova Scotia: Summer breeder
Nesting window: June
Broods: 1 per season
Hardiness zones: Canadian zones 5a–7a (roughly USDA 4–6 equivalent)
Nest box: 1 1/2 in hole, 5 × 5 in floor, 5–10 ft

When to expect tree swallows in Nova Scotia

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

Maritime — cool summers, snowy but ocean-moderated winters, fog and wind along the coast.

Nesting in Nova Scotia

Across Nova Scotia, 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 delay nesting compared with inland regions at similar latitude.

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 Nova Scotia plants that attract tree swallows

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

Balsam fir

Abies balsamea · Tree

Seeds and wind shelter.

Paper birch

Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seeds and insects.

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea · Tree

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

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.

Arrowwood viburnum

Viburnum dentatum · Shrub

Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.

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 tree swallows through the Nova Scotia 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 Nova Scotia'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 Nova Scotia year-round?

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

When do tree swallows nest in Nova Scotia?

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

What native plants attract tree swallows in Nova Scotia?

Balsam fir, Paper birch, Serviceberry, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, New England aster, Tall goldenrod are native plants in Nova Scotia 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.