General

Bank Swallow: Small swallow with brown upperparts, white underparts that curl up onto throat, and brown breast band. Tail is notched. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has faint wing-bars and a grizzled appearance on head.

Range and Habitat

Bank Swallow: Breed from Alaska across northern Canada south to California, Texas, and Virginia. Spends winters in the tropics and the Old World. Preferred habitats include riverbanks, creeks, seashores, and lakes.

Breeding and Nesting

Bank Swallow: Three to seven white eggs are laid in a grass and feather nest in a chamber at the end of a deep tunnel, usually near the top of a steep bank. Nests in colonies; nesting banks may sometimes appear riddled with holes. Incubation ranges from 14 to 16 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Bank Swallow: Feeds mostly on flying insects such as termites, treehoppers, leafhoppers, beetles, moths, and flies that it captures on the wing. Occasionally preys upon spiders or ants if there is a scarcity of aerial prey; forages singly or in flocks.

Vocalization

Bank Swallow: Song is a sharp, unmusical "pret" or "trit-trit".

Similar Species

Bank Swallow: Northern Rough-winged and immature Tree swallows are generally larger and lack dark breast band.