Photo © 2006 by Jim Jung and licensors. All rights reserved.

Tree Swallows

Tree Swallows are the first members of the swallow clan to migrate into our area each year. A few hardy souls arrive while cold weather still grips the area, but with the first major warm front of March flocks of hundreds of birds can sometimes be seen migrating up rivers or resting and feeding along our larger lakes.

As their name implies these birds nest in large hollow trees - usually in bottomlands along rivers and lakes - where their insect prey is abundant. They're most easily detected when large numbers of migrants perch on wires and fences or leafless shrubs in these areas.

Tree Swallows suffered a major decline in numbers in the 20th century, most likely due to habitat loss. However with farming in decline in our area and the recognition of the importance of allowing snags and dying trees to remain standing their numbers currently seem to be on the rebound. Nesting individuals are most definitely on the increase in southern Illinois and this formerly rare summer species is now becoming more commonly encountered.

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