Violet-green Swallow: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Birds of North America · day 4 of 7

Five facts

1. It is named for the shiny colours on its back: glossy green on the head and back, with touches of purple on the neck, rump and tail.
2. Like other swallows, it snaps up insects in mid-air, but it often hunts higher in the sky than most of its cousins.
3. In 1981 and 1982, three swallow pairs moved in with western bluebird families, guarding the nest box and feeding the bluebird chicks.
4. After a cold, windy night in California in 1965, three of these swallows were found chilled and barely moving. Warmed by the sun, they flew off.
5. It sunbathes in a trance-like state, sometimes even losing its balance. Heating up its feathers may help get rid of tiny pests.

The quiz

1. Where does the violet-green swallow show its green colour?

• On its belly
• On its feet
• On the top of its head and back (correct)
• On its bill

Glossy green covers the top of the head and the back.

2. How does the violet-green swallow's hunting differ from most other swallows?

• It hunts only on the ground
• It feeds higher in the sky (correct)
• It catches fish
• It hunts only at night

Unlike most swallows, it often hunts high up in the sky.

3. What did three swallow pairs do for western bluebirds in 1981 and 1982?

• Fed the bluebird chicks (correct)
• Built them a new nest
• Chased them away
• Stole their eggs

They guarded the nest box and fed the bluebird fledglings.

4. What happened to the three chilled swallows in 1965 once the sun came up?

• They stayed still all day
• They walked to a cave
• They sang loudly
• They flew off (correct)

After about 45 minutes of sunshine, the three swallows flew away.

5. Why might sunbathing help this swallow?

• It makes its colours brighter
• Warm feathers may help control tiny pests (correct)
• It helps it grow longer wings
• It helps it find food

Raising feather temperature while basking can control parasites.

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