Violet-green Swallow in December
Where violet-green swallows are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Violet-green Swallow's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the Violet-green Swallow specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 16 states and provinces where violet-green swallows occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where violet-green swallows are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, violet-green 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 December
Violet-green swallows are not nesting in December. The season runs May–July at mid-latitudes.
That makes December a useful month for nest-box work: cleaning out old nesting material, checking mounts and predator guards, and making repairs while boxes are empty. A box that's ready early gets claimed early.
What to feed in December
- Winters in Mexico
Uses nest boxes in western towns and forests.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Watching violet-green swallows this month
Violet-green swallows are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
If you have a Violet-green Swallow box up, this is the month to make sure it's clean, secure and ready — the box guide below has the exact hole size and mounting height this species needs.
Violet-green Swallow month by month
Violet-green Swallow by state
Frequently asked
Where are violet-green swallows in December?
In December, violet-green swallows are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do violet-green swallows nest in December?
No — violet-green swallows typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do violet-green swallows eat in December?
Winters in Mexico.
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.