Violet-green Swallow in February
Where violet-green swallows are in February, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
February in the Violet-green Swallow's year
February still feels like deep winter, but days are lengthening and the first stirrings of the breeding season begin — resident birds start singing on mild mornings and some early nesters are already claiming territories. Late-winter storms can be the hardest feeding days of the year.
For the Violet-green Swallow specifically, February 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 February
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In February, 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 February
Violet-green swallows are not nesting in February. The season runs May–July at mid-latitudes.
That makes February 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 February
- Winters in Mexico
Uses nest boxes in western towns and forests.
Don't let feeders run empty during late-winter storms; birds burn enormous energy staying warm. This is also the month to clean and repair nest boxes before early nesters move in.
Watching violet-green swallows this month
Violet-green swallows are settled and predictable in February, 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 February?
In February, 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 February?
No — violet-green swallows typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do violet-green swallows eat in February?
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.