Tree Swallow

Seen one? Add it to your free UK BirdedexHear its song and see the mapFree, no app download. Legendary bird: +50 points when you log it.

Habitat and behaviour

Habitat: Open water (extreme vagrant).
Diet: Aerial insects.
Best time to spot: White belly; blue-green.

When to look

A rare visitor, not a resident. There is no dependable season, though most rarities are found during spring and autumn migration. More on the season in Rare birds in the UK.

How rare is it?

The Tree Swallow sits in our Legendary tier for the UK: a major rarity, where any record is big news. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Cliff SwallowLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)
• Purple MartinLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)
• American KestrelLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)
• Amur FalconLegendary · Open country (extreme vagrant)
• Barolo ShearwaterLegendary · Open sea (extreme vagrant)
• Black-capped PetrelLegendary · Open sea (extreme vagrant)

Kit that helps

Bird ID starter kit. Affiliate links, our own picks, no extra cost to you.