Swallows

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

A sleek, iridescent blue-green swallow with clean white underparts. One of the first swallows to arrive in spring and one of the most common aerial insectivores over Kodiak's wetlands and coastal meadows.

Where to look

Coastal meadows, wetlands near Womens Bay, and open areas near water throughout Kodiak Island.

Habitat

Open areas near water: meadows, marshes, and coastal clearings.

Diet

Flying insects caught aerially; also berries in cold weather.

Natural history note

Tree Swallows are one of the few songbirds that incorporate green plant material into their nests, which may act as a natural insecticide.