Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
The Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) is a striking North American bird renowned for its iridescent blue-green plumage and agile flight. This species thrives in open habitats, where it skillfully catches insects mid-air, and is a common sight during its seasonal migrations.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Tree Swallow |
| 🇫🇷 | Hirondelle bicolore |
| 🇩🇪 | Sumpfschwalbe |
| 🇲🇽 | Golondrina bicolor |
Taxonomy
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
Characteristics
| Length | 12-14cm |
| Weight | 17-25.5g |
| Wingspan | 30-35cm |
| Clutch Size | 2-8 eggs |
| Incubation | 11-19 days |
| Fledging | 18-22 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
Identification and Whereabouts
Both females and males have a white belly. The male's back is metallic blue, while the female's back is dark brown.
Tree Swallows can be observed in all parks around Montreal. They are typically found in open areas such as fields and over water surfaces near ponds and rivers. These birds exhibit fast and erratic flight patterns as they scan the air for insects to catch.
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boisé Des Douze | x | - | - | - |
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Angrignon | x | x | - | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | x | - | - |
| Parc des Étangs Antoine-Charlebois | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.
Captured Moments
Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.
Nest Building Recorded 2025-05-11 in Parc des Étangs Antoine-Charlebois
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-01-08