Tree swallow / Sumpfschwalbe (Tachycineta bicolor)

Tree swallow at Cromwell. 2022-04-29 12:44:58

Observations

First documented observation: 2021-06-14 in Maryland. Most recent observation: 2022-04-29 in Maryland.

Description

Classification: Genus Tachycineta (Tachycineta); Family Swallows (Hirundinidae)
General: The tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) is a migratory bird of the family Hirundinidae. Found in the Americas, the tree swallow was first described in 1807 by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot as Hirundo bicolor. It has since been moved to its current genus, Tachycineta, within which its phylogenetic placement is debated. The tree swallow has glossy blue-green upperparts, with the exception of the blackish wings and tail, and white underparts. The bill is black, the eyes dark brown, and the legs and feet pale brown. The female is generally duller than the male, and the first-year female has mostly brown upperparts, with some blue feathers. Juveniles have brown upperparts, and a grey-brown-washed breast. The tree swallow breeds in the US and Canada. It winters along southern US coasts south, along the Gulf Coast, to Panama and the northwestern coast of South America, and in the West Indies. [more]