Violet-green Swallow Photo Gallery
Adult male
Small sleek birds with long pointed wings and slightly forked tails. Their long wings extend beyond their tail when perched. In good light, adult males have a greenish-bronze back and iridescent violet rump. Note white cheek.
© Joshua Covill | Macaulay LibraryMontana, June 03, 2020Adult male
When not foraging in midair for insects, perches on exposed branches. Its long wings extend beyond the tail while perched. Note the white "saddlebags."
© Larry Arbanas | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 01, 2005Not all videos have soundAdult male
In flight note short, squared or slightly notched tail and white patches on either side of its rump. All individuals have these "saddlebags."
© Alex Lamoreaux | Macaulay LibraryOregon, May 23, 2019Immature
Aerial insectivores that fly at various heights with rapid wingbeats, often over water bodies, in search of flying insects. Note white patches on either side of the rump.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryToledo, November 10, 2015Adult male
Adult males are crisp white below with clean white cheeks.
© Darren Clark | Macaulay LibraryIdaho, June 15, 2017Adult female
Sleek songbird with a small head and tiny bill. Adult females are drabber than males with a brown cap and paler green backs, though some females can be nearly as bright as males. Note dusky cheek patch.
© Joshua Vandermeulen | Macaulay LibraryOntario, June 14, 2017Adult female
Found in open woodlands including deciduous, evergreen, and mixed species woodlands where they nests in holes in trees or in artificial nest boxes.
© Kenneth Stinchcomb | Macaulay LibraryWyoming, June 11, 2017Compare with Similar Species
Click on an image to compare
Species in This Family
Swallows(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Hirundinidae)
Need Bird ID Help? Try Merlin
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.