Swallows (Hirundinidae)
Violet-green Swallow
Tachycineta thalassina. Flying insects high over forests and water.
Swallows (Hirundinidae)Violet-green SwallowTachycineta thalassina
- Scientific name
- Tachycineta thalassina
- Length
- 4.7 in
- Weight
- 0.5 oz
- Nest
- Cavity or nest box
- Entrance hole
- 1 1/2 in
- Clutch
- 4–6 eggs
- Incubation
- 13–18 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Emerald-green back and violet rump
- White cheeks wrapping above the eye
- White flank patches
Voice
Chirping 'chee-chee'.
Diet and feeding
Flying insects high over forests and water.
Violet-green Swallows by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Alberta | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Arizona | Summer breeder | April–July |
| British Columbia | Summer breeder | June–July |
| California | Summer breeder | April–July |
| Colorado | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Idaho | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Montana | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Nevada | Summer breeder | May–July |
| New Mexico | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Oregon | Summer breeder | May–July |
| South Dakota | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Utah | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Washington | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Wyoming | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Yukon | Summer breeder | June–July |
Frequently asked
What do violet-green swallows eat?
Flying insects high over forests and water. At feeders: .
How big is a Violet-green Swallow?
4.7 in long and 0.5 oz.
Do violet-green swallows use birdhouses?
Yes — a 1 1/2 in entrance, 5 × 5 in floor, mounted 8–15 ft.
Sources
- Violet-green Swallow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Violet-green Swallow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Violet-green Swallow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
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.