Tree Swallow

This is the most common swallow in our region.  It is rather tame, and has a white belly and bluish black upper parts.  Tree swallows arrive here from their wintering grounds in Mexico and South American very early in the spring -- as early as February.  As their name suggests, they nest in tree cavities that are either natural or have been previously used by woodpeckers.  Especially with human development, such nesting sites are scarce.  Fortunately, Tree Swallows will use man-made nest boxes quite freely.  They form large colonies in breeding areas provided with appropriately designed nest boxes.