Barn Swallow or Violet-Green Swallow?
Here's how to tell the difference
Barn Swallow
Violet-Green Swallow
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Also known as: Swallow
General appearance
Barn swallows are small birds with streamlined bodies, long, forked tails, and pointed wings. They have a striking coloration with a steel-blue back, wings, and tail. Their underparts are buff to cinnamon-colored, and they possess a distinctive rufous throat and forehead. The tail features white spots that are more visible when the tail is spread.
Male vs female
While both sexes have similar coloration, males are generally more vibrant with a deeper blue sheen and more pronounced red throat and forehead. Their tail feathers are typically longer than those of females, enhancing their forked appearance. Females may appear slightly duller, with less defined color contrasts compared to males.
Juvenile
Juvenile barn swallows resemble adults but with less glossy plumage. Their tails are shorter, making the fork less pronounced. The throat and forehead areas are a paler rufous rather than deep red. Juveniles gradually acquire adult coloration as they mature. In the wild, identifying barn swallows involves observing their distinct flight pattern and sleek body while noting seasonal changes such as molting.
Size
6.7 - 7.5 in/0.6 - 0.8 oz
There's more to learn about Barn Swallow
View full detailsViolet-Green Swallow
Tachycineta thalassina
General appearance
The violet-green swallow is about 5 1/2 inches in size and a bit smaller than a Tree Swallow. It shows faster wingbeats with less gliding. It is dark from above, with a color glossed in violet and green when viewed in good light. It has white rump patches that almost meet above the tail, and white circling up on its face. Its wings are long, narrow, pointed, and tapered. The tail is notched and square-tipped.
Male vs female
In terms of differentiation, the females appear to be duller than the males. A significant distinction can be seen on the face, which appears smudged in the case of females.
Juvenile
Juvenile violet-green swallows possess a gray-brown hue from above. The face appears dingy, and it can sometimes be hard to discern such young swallows from their Tree Swallow counterparts.
Size
4.7 - 5.5 in/0.5 oz
There's more to learn about Violet-Green Swallow
View full detailsHow to tell the Barn Swallow from the Violet-Green Swallow
Visual differences
The Barn Swallow, measuring 6.7-7.5 inches in length and weighing 0.56-0.84 ounces, features a steel-blue back, wings, and tail, with a striking rufous throat and forehead, and long forked tails with white spots. In contrast, the Violet-Green Swallow is smaller at 4 3/4 - 5 1/2 inches and 0.46-0.53 ounces, featuring a glossy violet and green upper side with white rump patches that almost meet above the tail and a notched, square-tipped tail. The Barn Swallow's colors are generally more vibrant and distinct compared to the slightly duller Violet-Green Swallow.
Key differences and behavior
The Barn Swallow and Violet-Green Swallow display distinct behavioral differences that aid in their identification. Barn Swallows, weighing 0.56-0.85 oz and measuring 6.7-7.5 inches, thrive in open and semi-open terrains near water, while Violet-Green Swallows, lighter at 0.46-0.53 oz and smaller at 4.7-5.5 inches, prefer open forests and mountainous areas. Both species engage in aerial feeding, but Barn Swallows perform notable aerial courtship chases and nest in man-made structures like eaves or bridges, while Violet-Green Swallows may return yearly to nest sites, often in natural tree cavities or birdhouses, forming small colonies. Neither species frequents bird feeders due to their insectivorous diets, but Barn Swallows also occasionally consume seeds and berries.
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