Bird Spotlight: Tree Swallows

Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), are an agile and aerobatic species that breeds in the Ballona Wetlands and uses cavities to build their nests. Usually they would use holes in trees, including old woodpecker cavities. Often dead trees are used. However, in the Los Angeles region, most dead trees and trees large enough to develop these cavities are removed. Artificial nest boxes help provide nesting areas for the swallows when tree cavities are unavailable. At the Ballona Freshwater Marsh and Riparian Corridor, Friends of Ballona Wetlands has installed, maintained, and monitored a collection of boxes.

Learn more about Tree Swallows and what we do to support them by watching our video.

Learn about nest boxes and how to build and install them here.

More Tree Swallow Resources.