Species BirdsViolet-green Swallow

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

CommonBird
Illustration of Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)

The Violet-green Swallow is a jewel of the western sky, the male's back and crown a iridescent green that flashes violet or bronze in different light, with conspicuous white cheek patches visible from below. It nests in tree cavities and nest boxes and often forages much higher than other swallows, sometimes at altitudes where it is barely visible. It is one of the first swallows to arrive on its western breeding grounds in spring.

Habitat
Open forests, cliffs, and suburban areas in the West
Diet
Flying insects
How common
Common

Best time to see a Violet-green Swallow

The best time to see a Violet-green Swallow is April–June, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 14,324 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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