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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: HIRUNDINIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Bank Swallow Photo

© Lang Elliott / CLO

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.

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Appearance

Swallows
Swallows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small slender songbird.
  • White underneath and brown on top.
  • Dark band across chest, extending down middle of chest.
  • Small bill.
  • Long wings.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but with pale edging to back feathers.

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Bank Swallow Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Bank Swallow

    Adult
    • © Lang Elliott / CLO

Similar Species

  • Northern Rough-winged Swallow has brown wash over throat and chest and lacks a chest band.
  • Juvenile Tree Swallow has brownish back and a faint band across chest, but the band is faintest in the middle and does not extend down the chest.