Prince Edward Island · Summer breeder

Tree Swallows in Prince Edward Island

When tree swallows are present in Prince Edward Island, when they nest, which native Prince Edward Island plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 4b–5b yard.

Swallows (Hirundinidae)Tree SwallowTachycineta bicolor

Status in Prince Edward Island: Summer breeder
Nesting window: June
Broods: 1 per season
Hardiness zones: Canada 4b–5b
Nest box: 1 1/2 in hole, 5 × 5 in floor, 5–10 ft

When to expect tree swallows in Prince Edward Island

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

Humid continental moderated by the Gulf of St. Lawrence; mostly farmland and mixed woods.

Nesting in Prince Edward Island

Across Prince Edward Island, 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.

Mild summers.

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 Prince Edward Island plants that attract tree swallows

Of the regional native plants we track for Prince Edward Island, 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.

Sugar maple

Acer saccharum · Tree

Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.

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.

Feeding tree swallows through the Prince Edward Island 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 Prince Edward Island'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 Prince Edward Island year-round?

No. Tree Swallows are summer breeders in Prince Edward Island and leave for the winter.

When do tree swallows nest in Prince Edward Island?

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

What native plants attract tree swallows in Prince Edward Island?

Eastern white pine, Paper birch, Sugar maple, Red maple, Chokecherry, Balsam fir, White spruce, Tamarack are native plants in Prince Edward Island 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.