Saskatchewan · Summer breeder

Tree Swallows in Saskatchewan

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

Swallows (Hirundinidae)Tree SwallowTachycineta bicolor

Status in Saskatchewan: 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 Saskatchewan

Tree Swallows are summer residents in Saskatchewan, 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 — prairie in the south, boreal forest in the north.

Nesting in Saskatchewan

Across Saskatchewan, 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, sunny 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 Saskatchewan plants that attract tree swallows

Of the regional native plants we track for Saskatchewan, 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.

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.

Paper birch

Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa · Shrub

Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.

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.

Feeding tree swallows through the Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan'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 Saskatchewan year-round?

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

When do tree swallows nest in Saskatchewan?

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

What native plants attract tree swallows in Saskatchewan?

Bur oak, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Rabbitbrush, Balsam fir, White spruce are native plants in Saskatchewan 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.