Tree Swallows on the Farm!

Springtime is here when we see tree swallows nesting in the birdhouses around the farm. We do see barn swallows but tree swallows are a very common bird on the farm this time of year.

Tree swallows are a common sight on farms in Nova Scotia in general, and they are much-loved for their beautiful iridescent blue-green feathers and their lively, energetic flights. These small, insect-eating birds are an important part of the ecosystem, and they are also beneficial to farmers because they help control insect populations.

Tree swallows are migratory birds that spend their winters in the southern United States, Central America, and northern South America. In the spring, they make their way north to breed and nest in Canada and the northern United States. They are a colonial nesting bird, which means that they nest in large groups, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands of pairs.

Tree swallows are cavity nesters, which means that they nest in holes in trees or other structures. They are particularly fond of nesting in birdhouses or nest boxes that are put up by farmers or other landowners. These nest boxes mimic the natural cavities that the birds would use in trees, and they provide a safe, secure place for the birds to raise their young.

The nesting habits of tree swallows are fascinating to observe. The male will scout out potential nesting sites and try to attract a mate by performing aerial acrobatics around the site. Once he has attracted a mate, the pair will work together to build a nest inside the cavity. The nest is made of grasses, feathers, and other soft materials, and the female will lay a clutch of four to seven eggs inside. Having nesting boxes around our farm makes it even easier for them to nest.

The male and female will take turns incubating the eggs, and after about two weeks, the eggs will hatch. Both parents will feed the chicks, bringing them a steady diet of insects. The chicks grow quickly, and within a few weeks, they will be ready to fledge, or leave the nest. After fledging, the young birds will stay close to the nest and continue to be fed by their parents for several weeks.

So why do tree swallows like farms? There are a few reasons. First, farms often have open fields and pastures that provide ample hunting grounds for the birds. The swallows are insectivores, and they feed on a wide variety of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and beetles. Second, farms often have structures like barns or sheds that provide ideal nesting sites for the birds. By putting up nest boxes like we do on our farm, we can provide additional nesting opportunities for the swallows, which can help increase their populations.

Tree swallows are an important and beloved bird species in Nova Scotia. Their fascinating nesting habits and energetic flights make them a joy to observe, and their role in controlling insect populations makes them an important part of the ecosystem. By providing nest boxes and preserving open fields and pastures, farmers can help ensure that tree swallows continue to thrive in the province.