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Bank Swallow
Riparia riparia
At-a-Glance
• Incubation: 14-16 days
• Clutch Size: 4-6 eggs
• Young Fledge: 18-24 days after hatching
• Typical Foods: insects |
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Description
The bank swallow is a small brown-backed swallow with a dark breastband on white underparts.
Habitat and Habits
The bank swallow is a well-named species, as they are intimately associated with eroding soils of steep banks along streams. They have also learned to construct their burrows in sand and gravel piles at quarries. These burrows can be up to two feet deep, and the bird excavates them using its wings, feet, and bill. Their calls are somewhat similar to the Northern rough-winged swallow, but have a faster delivery.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Bank swallows nest colonially, and colonies may number into the hundreds of pairs. |
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