Bird Species
Swallows
As a species that has learned to cohabit with humans, swallows are capable of differentiating between people and recognizing “safe” individuals for extended periods of time.
Understand the Problem
Issues Caused By Swallows
As social birds that live in large flocks, swallows can present problems for properties such as:
- Nesting in loading docks and building overhangs, frequently raining droppings down on workers and visitors
- Damaging structures via their acidic droppings
- Transmitting diseases through droppings
Solutions
How to Manage Issues
with Swallows
Similar to other small, social bids, most common deterrent methods for swallows include:
- Excluding swallows from loitering by blocking off perching areas, using netting, bird slides, or other exclusion tactics.
- Harassment of swallows with lasers
- Removal of nesting material before eggs are laid
Diverse Range of Species
Learn More About the Species
Appearance
There are a few species of swallows in the Midwest that can create nuisance issues: barn swallows, cliff swallows, and northern rough winged swallows. In general, swallows are a small songbird with very long, pointed wings and a small, but wide pointed beak. Most species incorporate countershading and are darker above than below and most incorporate some form of iridescence or metallic sheen to their feathers.
Behavior
Swallows fly and swoop in tight patterns, flapping consistently. They are incredibly agile on the wing and are generally not aggressive.
Diet
All swallows are voracious aerial insectivores and will catch and eat up to 850 insects and other tiny prey every day, all while on the wing.
Habitat
Most swallow species inhabit areas near bodies of water where insect populations are the densest. Multiple swallow species can inhabit the same territory by feeding on slightly different types of insects or at different elevations. Because of loss of habitat and the use of insecticides, many swallow species are in serious decline with some common species here being considered endangered in Canada. The Purple Martin has lost all nesting habitat east of the Rockies and now relies entirely on human made nesting houses.
Nesting
Most swallows nest on overhangs where they build nests out of mud and grass and saliva. Other species nest in tree or rock cavities. Both parents will care for and raise the young, hunting often and bringing back insects.
Migration
Swallows are long distance migrants, flying between wintering grounds in Central and South America and nesting territory in the US and Canada every year.
Protected Status
Yes, swallows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US.
Sources: The Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology bird guide, Humane Society of the United States, Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, Nest Watch