What Do Swallows Look Like?
Swallows are small, agile birds typically measuring between 4 and 8 inches in length. In Wisconsin, the most common species are the cliff swallow and the barn swallow. Both species share a similar steel-blue coloration on their heads, backs, and wings, contrasted by lighter white or pale plumage on the face, chest, and underside. A key distinguishing feature between the two species is the tail: cliff swallows have short, squared tails, while barn swallows are easily recognized by their long, deeply forked tails.
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Swallows rarely enter houses, but they like to construct their mud nests on the exteriors of buildings. They only stay through the spring and summer before migrating south for the winter, but will return to their nesting sites again the following spring. Swallows are fascinating birds to observe as they fly around, eating insects. They often hang around barns, bridges, and warehouses in large swarms.
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Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control provides swallow removal and exclusion services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our certified bird specialists safely and efficiently trap, remove, and exclude nuisance swallows from your home and business. Exclusion and habitat modifications are the most effective methods to deter swallows. We seal and block access to their roosting spots with vent guards, bird spikes, deterrents, and netting. We also provide safe, effective bird nest removal services.
What Problems Do Swallows Cause?
Swallows can damage property with their mud nests. While barn swallows tend to nest in small groups, cliff swallows may nest in large colonies. Nests positioned directly over doorways are hazardous because swallow droppings can fall on people and create a mess on walkways. Their droppings can also spread diseases and parasites, leading to major health concerns.
- Swallow FAQs -
Frequently Asked Questions
What do swallows eat?
Swallows mostly catch and eat insects in the air. They feed on various flying insects like flies, beetles, wasps, moths, and grasshoppers.
Where do swallows live?
Swallows form cup-shaped nests out of mud and manure. They prefer to live near open areas and water. Swallows build their nests on barns, stables, bridges, buildings, overpasses, cliff faces, caves, and rock crevices. They are likely to build their nests high up on the walls of buildings just beneath an overhanging ledge.
When do swallows mate?
Swallows breed twice a year, in early spring and summer. The female typically lays three to five pinkish-white eggs spotted with brown speckles. Both parents incubate the eggs for about two weeks. The chicks fledge two to three weeks after hatching.
How long do swallows live?
Swallows typically live 3 to 4 years in the wild and have many predators, including hawks, owls, falcons, grackles, gulls, squirrels, and cats.