Violet-green Swallow
Tachycineta thalassina
Silhouette: Andy Wilson · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyHirundinidae (Swallows and Martins)
- GenusTachycineta (Tachycineta Swallows)
- SpeciesTachycineta thalassina (Violet-green Swallow)
About the Violet-green Swallow
The violet-green swallow (Tachycineta thalassina) is a small North American passerine bird in the swallow family. These aerial insectivores are distributed along the west coast from Alaska to Mexico, extending as far east as Montana and Texas. With an appearance very similar to the tree swallow, these individuals can be identified by the white rump side-patches that appear to separate their green back and purple tail. Violet-green swallows are secondary cavity nesters, found in a number of habitats including deciduous and coniferous forest. In addition to nesting in tree holes within these habitats, they are also widely observed nesting in the cracks of large cliffs.
The distinct body form of swallows distinguishes them from other passerine birds. Their long pointed wings and slim, streamlined body evolved to catch insects while in flight; the violet-green swallow is no exception. With an average body length of 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in), the violet-green swallow is slightly shorter and appears more compact in flight compared to some other members of the genus Tachycineta. The violet-green swallow most closely resembles the tree swallow T. bicolor, but can be distinguished... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Violet-green Swallow in Yellowstone National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Yellowstone National Park
Tree Swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Bank Swallow
Riparia riparia
Common Raven
Corvus corax
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Setophaga coronata
Mountain Chickadee
Poecile gambeli
Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina
Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 2 | Wrangell-St. Elias National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Bahía de Loreto National Park | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 4 | Yosemite National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 5 | Kenai Fjords National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 6 | El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 7 | Celaque National Park | 🇭🇳 Honduras | |
| 8 | Denali National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 9 | Cabo Pulmo National Park | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 10 | Saguaro National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 11 | Cañón del Sumidero National Park | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 12 | Joshua Tree National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 13 | Lago de Yojoa | 🇭🇳 Honduras | |
| 14 | Cerro Azul Meámbar National Park | 🇭🇳 Honduras | |
| 15 | Bastimentos Island National Marine Park | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 16 | La Amistad International Park (Panama) | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 17 | Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 18 | Katmai National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 19 | La Tigra National Park | 🇭🇳 Honduras | |
| 20 | Braulio Carrillo National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Violet-green Swallow in Yellowstone National Park?
About 40% of wildlife watchers report a Violet-green Swallow sighting in Yellowstone National Park, based on 2,687 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Violet-green Swallow in Yellowstone National Park?
July has the highest sighting rate for Violet-green Swallow in Yellowstone National Park in our monthly data.