Even though swallows are absolutely beautiful birds, there is simply no denying the fact that these elusive creatures can be rather difficult to coax over to your yard. Unlike some of the more common backyard visitors, swallows require quite a bit of convincing before they will truly commit to visiting you, particularly on a regular basis.
It isn’t that swallows aren’t friendly, but rather that they seem to always have other places to be. If you are looking to catch the interest of these brilliant and complicated birds, you want to be prepared to put in a little extra legwork when it comes to finding unique bird food options and creating the ideal environment to welcome these guests in particular.
What do Swallows eat?
While many birds appreciate the convenience of seeds that are easily accessible from bird feeders, swallows are not among them. These birds have a different diet and a more wild nature that must be accommodated when it comes to convincing them to visit you. In fact, most swallows will show very little interest at all in your bird feeders. Instead, swallows prefer a live type of prey in the form of insects.
Though hosting an entire insect population on your property isn’t for everyone, it is without question the best way to get these birds in your yard. These insectivorous birds enjoy a wide variety of insects that can be commonly found in the right plant settings, making it more than possible for you to set them up with a gourmet meal. Whether it flies or crawls, chances are that swallows will have an interest in it. Cutting down the local insect population of an area is something that they are very good at. Though some have tried to feed mealworms and more easily contained insect options to these birds, they prefer to catch their food in the wild.
Where can you find Swallows?
Swallows are known to cover the majority of North America and Central America in their annual travels. Depending on what time of year, they might be in different places. Their non-breeding seasons are usually spent in Central America before they head north for breeding seasons to find mates and lay eggs. It is incredibly common to see these kinds of birds at random throughout the year, but some places host a higher population because of their easy access to water sources and active plant life.
How many types of Swallows are in the US?
North America is home to roughly seven types of swallows that are native to the area. Popular variations include the Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow, and Bank Swallow. These birds are usually similar in shape and form from one type to the next, but the differences can be seen when it comes to their color scheme. Barn Swallows can be noted for their pop of red feathers while Tree Swallows stand out with a huge dash of blue feathers that will catch your eye!
How to Attract Swallows to your yard?
1. Flowers
Since these beautiful birds like bugs, you need a way to get all those pesky insects over to your property. Planting flowers is a great way to attract the attention of the local bug population, which means that your swallows will have plenty to feast on when they visit. The more flowers you have, the better. Diverse flowers mean diverse bugs.
2. Clear Grass
Swallows are notorious for snatching up bugs in midflight. One of their signature techniques involves dropping low and coasting right above the grass line so that they can swoop up insects. Bugs love to hover right above the grass, so make sure that you don’t fill your grass with too many objects that might throw off your swallow’s flight pattern. When they know that they can easily use this technique at your place, they will keep dropping by for more.
3. Foilage
In order to effectively draw swallows to your property, you must do everything in your power to bring the right kinds of bugs around. Plants are perfect for catching the attention of local bug populations. Trees and bushes will not only provide your friendly neighborhood swallows with bugs, but will also give them a place to perch and hang out.
4. Avoid Pesticides
If you want to grow a healthy bug population, pesticides and insecticides are your new worst enemy. Growing a proper insect population means taking the time to allow it to grow. You need real nature in your yard, not controlled nature. While you can definitely landscape, controlling the local bug population is a huge no-no. Avoid anything that might drive away the bugs unless you want the beautiful swallows to go and visit someone else instead.
5. Water
If you want to grow a healthy bug population, pesticides and insecticides are your new worst enemy. Growing a proper insect population means taking the time to allow it to grow. You need real nature in your yard, not controlled nature. While you can definitely landscape, controlling the local bug population is a huge no-no. Avoid anything that might drive away the bugs unless you want the beautiful swallows to go and visit someone else instead.
6. Mud
While most birds rely on intricate nests made of plants, the basis for a swallow nest is actually mud. This means that offering your swallows a healthy mud supply is a great way to get them building nests. Since they visit the majority of North America during breeding season, offering them mud can be a huge benefit to them and make them want to hang out around there more.
7. Privacy
Many people think that knocking down the nests when they haven’t seen the swallows is fine, but this is actually decreasing the likelihood of their return. Swallows spend a lot of time and effort on their nests and will actually reuse them from time to time in order to start their own families. Swallows have been known to spruce up an old nest for reuse after some time has passed. The last thing that you want them to think is that the area isn’t safe, so leave their precious nests alone.
8. Covered Overhang
Swallows are known for creating unique nests that are mostly composed of mud, and they like to do this in a covered overhang. Since their nests are made of mud, a proper rainstorm can cause the poor swallows quite a bit of trouble. In order to avoid the likelihood that their nest and precious babies will be swept away, it is common for them to look for cover. If you can provide an overhang of some sort in your décor that will be safe from other elements, you might be lucky enough to have some swallows decide to stay.
9. Perches
Even though they like to spend the majority of their time flying, it is common for swallows to enjoy a good perch as well. After all, flying in those amazing patterns can take quite a bit of energy from the poor creatures. Since this is the case, it can be easier to attract them if you give them safe and elevated places to perch. Fences, wires, and clotheslines are great for encouraging swallows to stop by.
How do Swallows navigate?
Many migratory birds navigate by using the magnetic fields of the earth. Some birds are fitted with a mineral deposit in their beaks, but other birds, like swallows, can actually see the magnetic fields because of the way that their eyes perceive light. This gives them a constant beacon to follow.
Why do Swallows fly in formation?
There are a few different reasons as to why a finch might suddenly die, regardless of whether they are wild birds or kept as a pet. In many cases, it can be attributed to either illness or fear – the finch can be a very nervous bird, and if startled, it can cause serious damage.
When birds fly in formation, it isn’t simply a matter of making sure that everyone is where they need to be. Using the air from the other birds’ wings actually makes it easy for each of the birds to fly more comfortably and with greater ease. Ultimately, it saves them a lot of effort.
Can Swallows fly from the ground?
A fully-grown swallow needs a perch to take flight from. These birds will always seek higher ground in order to gain access to the physical needs that they have for flight.
Why are Swallows used commonly as tatoos?
Historically, swallows were used by sailors to show off their sailing experience. It was often said that the swallows would carry the soul of a drowned sailor away to heaven.
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About Us
We are avid bird-watchers who recently retired, allowing us more time to travel the world. Fortunately, we have managed to visit numerous countries around Europe, Asia, and America. Watching and photographing birds has been a passion for many years and we are making the most of the extra time on our hands!