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Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: HIRUNDINIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Bank Swallow Photo

The Bank Swallow nests in colonies in streamside banks across much of North America. It can also be found across most of Europe and Asia.

Birds of North America Online
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

At a GlanceHelp

Measurements
Both Sexes
Length
4.7–5.5 in
12–14 cm
Wingspan
9.8–11.4 in
25–29 cm
Weight
0.4–0.7 oz
10–19 g
Other Names
  • Sand Martin (British)
  • Hirondelle de rivage (French)
  • Golondrina ribereña, Golondrina Barranquera (Spanish)

Cool Facts

  • A Bank Swallow colony may range from 10 nests to nearly 2,000.
  • The male Bank Swallow often pursues females other than its mate at the colony and attempts to mate with them. The male is most likely to chase a female in her fertile period.

Habitat


Lake/Pond

Food


Insects

Flying insects.

Nesting

Nesting Facts
Clutch Size
1–9 eggs
Egg Description
White.
Condition at Hatching
Naked and helpless.
Nest Description

Flat platform of grass, straw, rootlets, plant stalks, or leaves, placed in long burrow in bank. Nests in colonies.

Nest Placement

Burrow

Behavior


Aerial Forager

Catches insects in flight.

Conservation

status via IUCN

Least Concern

Populations may be declining in some areas.

Credits

  • Garrison, B. A. 1999. Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia). In The Birds of North America, No. 414 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Range Map Help

Bank Swallow Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings
Project FeederWatch