Tree Swallow

Description:

The Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), is a migratory passerine bird that breeds in North America and winters in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It is a very rare vagrant to western Europe. This swallow averages 13.5 cm (5 inches) long and weighs about 20 g. The bill is tiny. The adult Tree Swallow has iridescent blue-green upperparts, white underparts, and a very slightly forked tail. The female usually has duller colours than the male, often more greenish than the more bluish male. The juvenile plumage is dull grey-brown above and may have hint of a gray breast band. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_Swallo......

Habitat:

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/

Notes:

The nesting boxes are quite close to the walking trails at Patuxent Research Refuge.