Tree Swallow Nest

The Tree Swallows occupying this nesting box have been banded by Ron Weiss, executive director of the Chipper Woods Bird Observatory. The female Tree Swallow has been banded with band number 2141-54941. She is a SY bird (born last year) probably somewhere near this nest. Go back to Nesting menu or  See Tree Swallows nesting from 1997.

May 11, 1998

Bluebirds and Tree Swallows often build nests in boxes like this.

May 11, 1998

Momma Tree Swallow checks out the possible home site.

May 13, 1998

She lines the box with grasses and White Pine needles. Daddy Tree Swallow will offer some assistance.

May 15, 1998

Creating a cup in the nest Momma lines it with soft, insulating duck feathers.

May 19, 1998

Eggs are laid in the soft, feathered cup. One egg has been laid each morning since May 16.

May 22, 1998

Six eggs are now seen in the nest.

June 8, 1998

The babies are starting to hatch. The first one emerged on Friday June 5, 1998.

Check back soon and watch them grow.

June 17, 1998

The Tree Swallow has grown quickly. But, why is it in this person's hand? We have just placed a band on its leg.

See why and how we banded the young Tree Swallow.

June 29, 1998

The tree swallow has fledged. It now will learn from its parents how to hunt for food and take care of itself.

It will not return to this nest box but it may return to the general area next year. We will keep our eyes open for a tree swallow with a band on its leg.

June 30, 1998

The previous nest is cleaned out. The male may return next year with a new female to raise another brood in this box. We will have to wait and see.

Look for other bird nests around your home and community.

Tree Swallow Facts:

• Tree Swallows lay 4-6 eggs.

• The eggs hatch 14-15 days from the last egg laid.

• The little ones fledge (leave the nest) in about 21 days.

• Tree swallows are altricial. This means that the young hatch naked and dependent on Mom and Dad.

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