Bank Swallow

An elegant addition to the Swallow family, the Bank Swallow got their scientific name, Riparia riparia, due to their exclusive waterside habitats. These birds are some of the most widespread birds on the planet, spanning from Europe and the Mediterranean to the Palearctic region and the Pacific Ocean. They cover long migrations seasonally and nest in colonies of varying sizes. They swiftly fly over water bodies and are experts at aerial foraging, swooping to catch their prey mid-flight. In other parts of the world, they are called Sand Martins or Collared-sand Martins. 

About Bank Swallows

They are the smallest of the Swallows and can be distinguished from their relatives by their dark brownish-gray chest band that may form a spike pointing to their abdomen. They have white underparts and cheeks and darker upperparts. These birds form multi-species colonies, so spotting this tiny Swallow may indicate other Swallows are around. Bank Swallows nest on steep, vertical cliffs, where they burrow in erodible soil, pushing out the dirt and laying eggs inside. When colonies get denser, each pair’s nest can be just a foot away. Today, we will learn more about this slender Swallow, covering topics such as:

● Bank Swallow Photos, Color Pattern, Song
● Bank Swallow Size, Eating Behavior, Habitat
● Bank Swallow Range and Migration, Nesting

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Bank Swallow Color Pattern

The coloration of Bank Swallows allows them to be differentiated by similar species. Their plumage remains dark grayish brown, covering the mantle, end of the tail, and the wings. The edges of the wings may be slightly paler in some individuals. The dark gray and brown expands to the breast of the bird, making a contrasting chest band with the white underparts.

The chest band may form a spike on the belly. The head is also dark brownish gray, giving it a capped appearance against the white of their throats. Their irises are dark brown or black, with a matching dark beak and supercilium. The legs and feet are also a dark color, although they are slightly paler than the beak.  

Younger Bank Swallows have whitish buff upper parts and a pinkish throat. This species does not exhibit any sexual dimorphism, the only way to differentiate male and female is by noting the presence or absence of a brood patch and protuberances at the cloacal region. 

Description and Identification

Bank Swallows are compact, slender passerines that have a small beak and cheeks. They are usually in large groups as they are highly social. Bank Swallows do not mind residing with other species of Swallows and you can tell them apart by their contrasting chest band. They have a rather long tail that has some small notches. Their flight is also an identifier as they fly in quick, jerky movements. When flying, Bank Swallows sing continuously. When they are ready to roost, they call in a conversational tone. A Bank Swallow would usually fly over water bodies, near the banks as they forage. 

Bank Swallow Song

Bank Swallows usually make “pret” and “trit-trit” vocalizations. During the flight, they continuously sing their unmusical song and pick a lower, slower conversational call before sleeping. They emit a harsh alarm call that warns the entire colony of predators such as Falcons or Crows. As they develop from nestlings, they cry for food for more than two weeks. After this period, they start to sing their unique signature calls that their parents and surrounding adults recognize. This amazing vocal behavior allows parents to keep an eye on their young ones. 

Bank Swallow Size

This species of Swallow is the smallest in size. They reach a length of 4.7-5.5 inches, weighing only 0.4-0.7 pounds. Their pointy wings can span from 9.8-13 inches long, letting them produce fast flicking wingbeats. They have relatively longer tails, but smaller beaks, legs, and feet. Overall, Bank Swallows are small, compact, and slender, well-adapted to their favored environments.

Bank Swallow Behavior

Rarely seen on the ground, these birds only come down to pick out materials for their nests. They spend most of their awake time flying to catch a snack or to perform courtship rituals. They have quick, fluttery wingbeats, swooping low to approach their nests. As their preferred habitat involves strong right angles and unrelenting stone, Bank Swallows can climb the cliffs with their feet, flapping their wings to aid them up. When on feet, they have a jerky shuffling walk. Living so close to water is dangerous as they do not dive or swim, although adults and some fledglings can manage a backstroke to propel them towards land if worst comes to worst. 

Living in colonies has allowed these birds to install their own security system. When threatened by predators such as Falcons or Crows, a harsh alarm signals the entire colony to beware, and even chase off the predator. They have assured safety in numbers as their colonies can range from just 10 individuals to over 2,000 birds. To maintain the hygiene of such large groups, they preen in large communal groups as well as individually, by scratching their head with their wings. They bathe in water, by wading into shallows or dipping in flight, and in the dust by settling on loose sand in groups. 

Bank Swallows are socially monogamous. During the breeding season, the male tries to attract females by flying ahead and towards their constructed burrow. Some males form groups to sing in circles near their burrows as an invitation. If the female chooses to follow and check out their work, the male perches near the burrow and stretches his throat to show the bright white neck. 3-5 days prior to egg-laying, the males perform a dance after which the pair copulate. During this period, the male wards off any competing males from the female. Extra-pair mating is common in both males and females. 

Bank Swallow Diet

Bank Swallows are insectivores that have a preference for aerial prey. They pick up dragonflies, flies, wasps, crane flies, stoneflies, butterflies, moths, bees, and more. Bank Swallows forage on the ground in stressful conditions, where they eat caterpillars and ants. They occasionally feed on insect larvae from land or water. These birds are quite active as they forage from dawn to dusk. They drink water from the water bodies they inhabit while flying, skimming through the surface for a sip.

Bank Swallow Habitat

Named after their habitat, Bank Swallows are particular about living near water bodies like lakes and ponds. The waves from storms or tidal influence create the perfect home for these birds, forming vertical faces from where there is erosion. They live near marshes and nest on vertical or near-vertical bluffs. They build their nests on loose sand which they dig to create a burrow. This protects them from predators. Furthermore, there is safety in number as these songbirds nest in huge colonies. Recently, they are in large numbers at stone and sand quarries. As they like vertical cliff-like places, they also settle in man-made structures like large buildings. Here, they can find holes in pipes or crevices to stay in comfortably. Furthermore, the fast erosion of their favored sites forces them to choose a
new location every season, increasing their chances of approaching man-made structures that are more permanent than loose soil. 

Range and Migration

The population is so widespread that this bird can be found in the entire Arctic region, North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Their medium to long migration takes them north in late spring, a latecomer amongst Swallows. They winter in lowlands in South America, getting ready for its journey in huge flocks. They fly these large distances during the day. During the winter, they opt for nomadic lives, although they remain close to other members of their species.

Bank Swallow Lifecycle

After the pair bonds, they create a hospitable nest for their incoming offspring. The female lays 3-7 white eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for at least two weeks after which the young ones hatch. The nestlings are fed by both parents, fledging 18-24 days after the egg cracks. The juveniles mature by the time of the prospective breeding season. Researchers have recorded a lifespan of approximately 8 years. 

Nesting

Nesting on erosion-prone soil, males use their beaks, wings, and feet to excavate a burrow. Nest sites are in the already chosen colony site. As their loose, sandy habitat gets eroded quickly, Bank Swallows do not show affinity towards previously used locations for sites. Nesting is highly synchronized in the colony as all individuals breed at the same time. Digging lengths up to 5 feet long on the sandy banks and cliffs,  the nest is then constructed with weeds, grasses, and roots. Finally, they are lined with feathers to help regulate the temperature required by their eggs. The female lays an average of 4-5 eggs per brood. In the duration of one breeding season, a pair usually broods once but can have a second clutch. 

Anatomy of a Bank Swallow

Bank Swallows are slim, tiny birds with a compact build. They have long tails that are mostly squared, except for a notch that is most noticeable when they are not flying. They have pointy wings that are slightly bent that carry them large distances for migration and keep them flying for all-day activity. Their bills are sharp and pointy, aiding them in catching their largely insect diet. Their feet and legs are thin and are used to shovel dirt out to make burrows. As there are no distinguishing features between males and females, careful evaluation for the presence or absence of brood patch is required to tell them apart. Another trick is to look for a cloacal protuberance, although observing their behavior during their breeding season may indicate sex more easily. 

Final Thoughts

A bird with one of the largest ranges across Earth, the puny Bank Swallow is better studied than most birds. Their intriguing social lives teach us much about sexual selection, sex ratios, group behavior and social evolution. Populations of Bank Swallows face trouble when local availability of burrowing sites declines over time. The long-term effects of habitat loss show a steady decline, although they are termed Least Concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. 

Their nesting behavior of burrowing in loose sand is an interesting strategy that shows the adaptability of Swallows. Multi-species colonies indicate favoring diversity and staying in large numbers instead of agonistic interspecies competition. As they are in so many places, studying them can reveal new exciting information about how species adapt to different conditions as a colony and how this reflects on their reproductive fitness. Learning about their life in society may help us reflect on ours!

Ornithology

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At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars for Identifying Bank Swallows

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing Bank Swallows are 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.

Bank Swallow Stickers

Stickers are a great way for you to display your love for bird watching and the Bank Swallow. We sell a monthly subscription sticker pack. The sticker packs have 12 bird stickers. These sticker packs will help your kids learn new birds every month.

Bird Feeders ForBank Swallows

There are many types of bird feeders. Bird feeders are a great addition to your backyard. Bird feeders will increase the chances of attracting birds drastically. Both kids and adults will have a great time watching birds eat at these bird feeders. There are a wide variety of bird feeders on the market and it is important to find the best fit for you and your backyard.

Bird Houses ForBank Swallows

There are many types of bird houses. Building a bird house is always fun but can be frustrating. Getting a bird house for kids to watch birds grow is always fun. If you spend a little extra money on bird houses, it will be well worth every penny and they’ll look great.