A Peek into the Domestic Life of Tree Swallows
Tree Swallows are, in my opinion, one of our most beautiful birds, with their pure white undersides and iridescent blue heads and backs. As aerial insectivores that feed almost exclusively on flying insects, Tree Swallows are a great boon to have in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, like many other aerial insectivores, their numbers are in decline . As secondary cavity nesters, Tree Swallows' struggle for survival is exacerbated not only by a decline in the insects they feed on, but a lack of the natural cavities they require for nesting as well. Secondary cavity nesters rely on nest cavities excavated by other species (usually woodpeckers), often in standing dead trees. The widespread practice of removing such trees in recent decades has led to a sharp decline in available nesting sites. And Tree Swallows aren't the only species that depend on these increasingly rare nesting sites. Western Bluebirds, Ash-throated Flycatchers, House Wrens, White-...
