Swallows are small migratory birds that are found across the world. There are around 90 different species of swallows, with some of the most common being the barn swallow, tree swallow, and cliff swallow. Swallows migrate long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds each year.
Do swallows live in New York?
Yes, there are several species of swallows that can be found in New York during the spring and summer months when they migrate there to breed. The most common swallow species seen in New York include:
- Tree swallow
- Barn swallow
- Bank swallow
- Cliff swallow
- Northern rough-winged swallow
These swallows migrate north to New York and other northern states and Canada in the spring to take advantage of abundant insects and nesting sites. They typically arrive in March or April and stay through the summer, raising their young. By late summer or early fall, they gather in large flocks and start their migration south to their wintering grounds in Central and South America.
Where do swallows nest in New York?
Swallows build nests in a variety of natural and man-made structures in New York. Here are some of their preferred nesting sites:
- Cliff swallows – Nest under bridges, rocky outcrops, and cliffs near open habitats
- Barn swallows – Nest inside barns, sheds, garages, under bridges
- Tree swallows – Nest in old woodpecker cavities and nest boxes in open fields and wetlands
- Bank swallows – Dig nesting burrows into steep, vertical banks of dirt/sand near water
- Northern rough-winged swallows – Nest in cavities in banks, cliffs, walls, and building foundations
Their nests are made primarily of mud and grasses and are cup-shaped. Many species prefer to nest near sources of mud that they use to build their nests. Bridges near rivers and lakes, barns, cliffs, and nest boxes in fields provide good nesting habitat.
What do swallows eat in New York?
Swallows are aerial insectivores, meaning they catch and eat insects while flying. Some of their main prey includes:
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Moths
- Bees
- Wasps
- Dragonflies
- Beetles
Swallows will eat any small flying insects they can catch on the wing. They often forage over fields, marshes, ponds, and rivers snapping up insects. Their wide gapes allow them to scoop up insects while flying. They drink by skimming over and dipping into water surfaces.
When do swallows migrate through New York?
The timing of swallow migration in New York is:
- Spring migration – March to May
- Breeding season – May to August
- Fall migration – August to October
Peak spring migration occurs in April and May as swallows return to New York from their wintering grounds. This is when the largest numbers pass through the state. They quickly get to nesting and raising young through the summer months.
By late August, swallows start to gather in large flocks in preparation for fall migration back south. Migration peaks in September and the majority leave New York by October, although some stragglers may linger into November.
Spring migration
During spring migration, swallows migrate north in waves, with cliff and barn swallows arriving first, followed by tree, bank, and rough-winged swallows. Warm southerly winds help push northbound migrants along.
Fall migration
In the fall, the migration is more prolonged, with swallows moving south over a period of 2-3 months. Cool northerly winds trigger instinct to migrate. Young swallows often linger longer before migrating south for the first time.
Why do swallows migrate?
There are a few key reasons swallows and other migratory birds migrate each year:
- Food availability – Insects are more abundant in the north in summer. Swallows time migrations to follow food supply.
- Nesting habitat – Northern areas provide ideal nesting habitat during breeding season.
- Avoid cold winters – Swallows cannot survive cold northern winters so migrate south to warmer climates.
Migration allows swallows to take advantage of seasonal peaks in food abundance, nest, and raise young in temporary breeding grounds, while spending winters in warmer areas with available food.
Threats to swallows in New York
Some threats to New York’s swallow populations include:
- Habitat loss from development – Loss of open fields, wetlands, bridges reduces nest sites.
- Pesticides – Can reduce insect prey populations and poison swallows.
- Climate change – Could affect migration timing and nesting ranges.
- House sparrows – Aggressive sparrows can displace swallows from nest sites.
- Severe storms – Can destroy nests and kill young swallows.
Conservation measures like preserving open space, reducing pesticide use, managing invasive species, and putting up nest boxes can help protect swallow populations.
Interesting facts about New York swallows
- New York’s state bird is the eastern bluebird, a close relative of swallows.
- Tree swallows are the most widespread swallow species found nesting across New York.
- Barn swallows are very social, often nesting in colonies of up to several hundred pairs.
- Bank swallows nest in colonies with thousands of tunnel nests dug into dirt banks.
- Cliff swallows build gourd-shaped nests out of hundreds of mud pellets.
- Swallows can fly up to 30 miles per hour and migrate thousands of miles.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several species of swallows that migrate through and breed in New York each summer, before returning to southern climates each winter. They are aerial insectivores that nest in a variety of natural and manmade structures across the state. Preserving suitable habitat helps maintain healthy swallow populations in New York.
