How to Attract Tree Swallows

Last Updated: July 26, 2020

Have you heard of Tree swallows but haven't seen them in your yard? Tree swallows are amazing animals that eat mosquitoes and other pesky bugs, thereby benefiting your garden and backyard life. They also have beautiful plumage and, unlike other birds, have quiet, pleasant calls. Attracting these birds might take a little effort, but it's well worth it. Note that this wikiHow will work for other cavity-nesting swallows like the Violet-Green swallow.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Doing Research

1
Make sure Tree swallows populate where you live. Tree swallows breed in most of the upper half of the United States into much of Canada. In the winter they migrate down into the lower states into Mexico. There are many maps online that tell the range of swallows. It's no use trying to attract them when you don't even know if they're there!
- Make sure you use reputable maps and resources for your research.
2
Observe the kind of area you live in. Since Tree swallows spend most of their time flying and catching bugs, they need an open space to live in. Too many trees can make it hard for Tree swallows to swoop low and cover a lot of area. Grassy, open land is perfect for these birds. Tree swallows will also live in marshlands and places with open freshwater.

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3
Make sure no pesticides or insecticides are being used in your area. These chemicals will not only hurt birds, but they will also kill the bug population which swallows feed on. If your city takes regular anti-mosquito measures, such as spraying down lakes, Tree swallows will most likely not nest near you.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Changing Your Landscape

1
Provide water sources. All birds need water, especially swallows. These birds are known to skim over the water and dip their bills in for a drink instead of perching for a sip. If you don't have a body of water nearby, you may want to provide it yourself. Put up a birdbath or, if you are really committed, make a small pond.
- Get a birdbath with a dripper so that the birds can hear the water.
- Also consider getting a birdbath mister. Swallows sometimes will pass through the mist to cool down and get a drink. Alternatively, you could simply run a sprinkler in your yard.
2
See if you need to cut down some trees. Because Tree swallows like open land, you may want to open up your property by cutting down large trees. A few trees here and there won't be an issue.
- If you live in a forest, you probably won't be able to get Tree swallows.
3
Provide perching spots. If your land has no trees or shrubs, you may want to give Tree swallows some spots to perch on. Providing these areas will give the swallows a chance to rest and clean themselves.
- Simple things like clotheslines and antennas work great as perching spots. You can also build your own if you want to go more natural.
4
Put out food. Although live insect bird food is hard to find, it may be worth it to provide some. Try buying some mealworms and putting them on a dish outside. You may be surprised at how much Tree swallows and other birds like them!
- Getting swallows to come to these bird feeders may take a lot of patience and time. You certainly don't need to put out food to attract these wonderful birds. It is very easy to attract them without it.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Helping Swallows Nest

1
Put up nesting houses. Putting up houses is a great way to attract Tree swallows. Doing this will give them places to rest and build a family. Here are a few rules that should be followed when putting them up.
- Put a nesting box on a pole at least five feet off the ground. This will discourage squirrels from hurting the swallows.
- Make sure to put the birdhouse in open land at least 50 yards away from houses and bodies of water. Also try to put up the houses away from trees, as this will reduce the risk of invasive bird attacks.
2
Provide nesting material. If you don't have loose grass or other material available for Tree swallows to make nests with, you may want to provide it. Leaving small twigs out in your yard and scattering dryer lint will give the swallows plenty of ingredients to make a good nest for their young.
3
Monitor the nests. Tree swallows have many invasive opponents when it comes to nesting spots. If you live in the United States, invasive birds like House sparrows and European starlings have been known to attack swallow nests. Monitor the nesting boxes to make sure the swallows are doing okay and are not being preyed on by other birds.
- If you do see an invasive bird around the Tree swallow nests, you may want to consider trapping or even killing them. These birds can do a lot of damage to swallow populations.
- Some mammals such as squirrels can also attack Tree swallow nests.