Field Guide to Westford

Bank Swallow 

 

Riparia riparia

Physical description: 

This small 5 inch bird is very similar to the tree swallow. Though it has a slightly longer tail than the tree swallow, it has the same basic swallow-shape. It has a small dark beak as well. A major difference between the bank and tree swallows are that the bank swallow has a matte brown top (head, back wings, tail), while the tree swallow has a shiny luminescent blackish blue top. The bank swallow also has a white underbelly. 

Habitat: 

Lowland areas near water. 

Voice: 

Electric sounding “zap” or “zip”. 

For more information we suggest visiting: 
http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/bank_swallow