Violet-green Swallow

Overview

The Violet-green Swallow is a small, brightly iridescent swallow of open woodland, canyons, and mountainous terrain across western North America, frequently seen foraging in loose flocks over open areas or near cliffs and rock outcrops where it often nests. Its combination of shimmering green and violet upperparts with extensive white underparts sets it apart from other North American swallows.

Upperparts show an iridescent green back that shifts to violet-purple on the rump and wing coverts depending on the angle of light, while the white underparts extend unusually far up onto the sides of the face and rump, a pattern not seen in similarly sized swallows.

Feather ID Notes

Violet-green Swallow feathers show a bright, iridescent green sheen across the back that gives way to violet-purple tones on the rump and wing coverts, colors that can shift noticeably with lighting angle. White underpart feathers extend up onto the sides of the face, nearly meeting above the eye and around the ear, and also show as pale patches on the sides of the rump.

• Back feathers: iridescent green, shifting to violet-purple toward the rump
• Rump feathers: violet-purple, extending into white side patches
• Face feathers: white extending unusually high, nearly surrounding the eye
• Wing feathers: dark with a violet sheen in good light The white face extending above and around the eye, combined with white rump-side patches, separates this species from Tree Swallow, which shows a more uniform dark green-blue back and no white on the face.

Plumage Details

Males typically show more extensive and brighter iridescence than females, which can appear somewhat duller overall, though both sexes share the same general pattern. Juveniles are notably duller, showing brownish-gray upperparts lacking strong iridescence, and gradually develop the adult coloration through subsequent molts. There is no distinct seasonal plumage change beyond this age-related progression.

Habitat & Range

This species breeds in open woodland, canyons, and mountainous terrain across western North America, often nesting in tree cavities, rock crevices, or cliff faces, and readily using nest boxes in some areas. It is migratory, wintering primarily in Mexico and Central America, with birds departing the breeding range in the colder months.

Behavior & Field Notes

Violet-green Swallows forage on the wing, catching flying insects in open airspace, often in mixed flocks with other swallow species. Diet consists almost entirely of flying insects captured in flight. Nests are placed in cavities or crevices, lined with feathers and other soft material. Calls include soft, twittering notes typical of swallows, often given in flight or near the nest site.