Swallow Swallow
| Swallow Swallow | ||||||||||||
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Marsh Swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Tachycineta bicolor | ||||||||||||
| ( Vieillot , 1808) |
The pond swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor ) is a songbird that breeds in northern North America and overwinters in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
features
The swamp swallow reaches a body length of 14 to 15 centimeters and a weight of 18 to 22 grams. The sexes show no sexual dimorphism either in size or in plumage. The head, the back plumage and the wings are mostly dark blue to blue-black in color. The throat, chest and belly side are whitish in color. The bluish plumage shimmers metallic when exposed to light. The underside of the wings is colored light brown. The outer flags of the wings are mostly black. There is a black blindfold around the eyes. The long wings extend beyond the tail. The legs are quite short. The same goes for the toes too. Both are an indication of the lack of movement on the ground. Limbs and toes are brownish in color. The beak is black in color. The young birds resemble the adult birds in terms of plumage. Only the bluish plumage parts are partly brownish.
distribution
The marsh swallow is a Nearctic species. It breeds in Alaska, the central Yukon (Territory) and the Northwest Territories , on the southern shores of Hudson Bay, as well as in southern Quebec and eastern Labrador . It is a mandatory migratory bird that migrates to the southern United States, Mexico, and the east coast of Central America.
Way of life
The bird, which often appears in large flocks, catches insects in flight. It also feeds on berries, including bay fruits, which only a few species of birds can digest.
The breeding pair builds a bowl-shaped nest made of plant material in artificial or natural caves near the water. Four to six eggs are incubated by females for 15 days. The young birds fledge after 16–30 days.
supporting documents
literature
- Bryan Richard: Birds. Parragon, Bath, ISBN 1-40545-506-3
- Richard Sale: A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife , published by Christopher Helm, London 2006, ISBN 0-7136-7039-8
Web links
- Tachycineta bicolor in the Red List of Threatened Species of the IUCN 2008. Posted by: BirdLife International, 2008. Accessed January 31 of 2009.
- Videos, photos and sound recordings for Tachycineta bicolor in the Internet Bird Collection
- Swallow feathers