Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Lake Harrison
Common Name: Tree Swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (16-25 g)
Wingspan: 11.8-13.8 in (30-35 cm)

Quick Facts Courtesy of Cornell Labs

• Migrating and wintering Tree Swallows can form enormous flocks numbering in the hundreds of thousands. They gather about an hour before sunset and form a dense cloud above a roost site (such as a cattail marsh or grove of small trees), swirling around like a living tornado. With each pass, more birds drop down until they are all settled on the roost.
• Tree Swallows winter farther north than any other American swallows and return to their nesting grounds long before other swallows come back. They can eat plant foods as well as their normal insect prey, which helps them survive the cold snaps and wintry weather of early spring.
• The Tree Swallow—which is most often seen in open, treeless areas—gets its name from its habit of nesting in tree cavities. They also take readily to nest boxes.
• Tree Swallows have helped researchers make major advances in several branches of ecology, and they are among the best-studied bird species in North America. Still, we know little about their lives during migration and winter.
• The oldest Tree Swallow on record was at least 12 years, 1 month old when it was recaptured and released during banding operations in Ontario in 1998.

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Adopt Wanda at Richmond SPCA

Hi everyone! My name is Wanda. I love people and affection. I even wag my tail like a dog when I am happy. Please come visit me and possibly take me home!

Age: 4 years,
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Brown
Declawed: No
ID: 47833868

Adopt Wanda at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.