Barn Swallow in September
Where barn swallows are in September, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
September in the Barn Swallow's year
September is the peak of fall migration. Huge numbers of birds move south on cold fronts, mixed flocks form, and summer residents slip away almost unnoticed. Young birds making their first migration appear in places the species rarely visits.
For the Barn Swallow specifically, September is a fall month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 61 states and provinces where barn swallows occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where barn swallows are in September
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In September, barn swallows are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in September
Barn swallows are not nesting in September. The season runs May–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, barn swallows put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in September
- Flies, beetles and moths
Barn swallows nest on ledges under eaves and in barns; an open-front ledge shelf gives them a site.
Migrants passing through may stop at feeders for a day and never return — September rewards watching closely. Natural seed and fruit crops are abundant, so feeder traffic can be uneven.
Watching barn swallows this month
Barn swallows are settled and predictable in September, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region barn swallows are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Barn Swallow month by month
Barn Swallow by state
Frequently asked
Where are barn swallows in September?
In September, barn swallows are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do barn swallows nest in September?
No — barn swallows typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do barn swallows eat in September?
Flies, beetles and moths.
Sources
- Barn Swallow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Barn Swallow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Barn Swallow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
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.