Threats to the SpeciesHabitat Loss: Bank protection, channelization of rivers, and flood control projects, especially riprapping; natural coastal erosion.
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Range and HabitatHabitat: Riparian ecosystems, particularly rivers in the larger lowland valleys of northern California. During breeding season, they are restricted to portions of northern California where vertical bluffs or riverbanks of dirt or sand, usually along rivers or ponds, are available for the birds to dig burrows.
Range: California Coast (breeding grounds) to South America (wintering grounds) |
Behavior |
Life Cycle |
Prey: Wide variety of flying insects, such as flies (including house flies and crane flies), beetles, wasps, winged ants, small bees, and true bugs. In addition, they feed on some dragonflies, stoneflies, moths, and caterpillars.
Predators: Mammals, birds, and snakes. |
Spring
Mating and Rearing: Lay clutches of 4-5 eggs. Early Apr - Mid Jul Young: Incubate for about 2 weeks. Leave nest 18-24 days after hatching. By Mid Jul - Early Aug Breeding grounds devoid of Bank Swallows 2 - 3 Years Lifespan |
Resources
- "Critter Catalog: Bank Swallow." BioKIDS. University of Michigan, 2015. Web.
- Garrison, B. A. 1998. Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia). In The Riparian Bird Conservation Plan: a strategy for reversing the decline of riparian-associated birds in California. California Partners in Flight. Web.
- "Guide to North American Birds: Bank Swallow." Audubon. National Audubon Society, 13 Nov. 2014. Web.
- "Species Accounts - Birds." California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, n.d. Web.