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Tree Swallows and Other Swallows


By Linda Marie Glass Ward Although I have been writing about barn swallows


and have mentioned cliff swallows, all swallow species in North America are experiencing alarming declines in pop- ulation. In Canada the problem is much worse than in the United States. In Canada there are seven species of swallows. The


purple martin, tree, bank, northern rough winged, barn, and cliff swallow. The purple martin and the northern rough winged swallow are prevalent in the south of Canada and the violet green swallow lives in the west. For more information on their migratory habits, please refer to a good bird identification guide. Purple martins have become completely dependent


on human structures and constant maintenance. Barn and Cliff swallows nest in buildings and under bridges. Bank and northern rough winged swallows nest in sand banks along rivers and in gravel pits. Violet-green and tree swal- lows nest in hollow trees and will use bird houses. Because violet-green and tree swallows nest in boxes,


they are the easiest to provide habitat for. This month I have decided to focus on tree swallows by providing plans and instructions for a very successful tree swallow box.


How to Make a Tree Swallow Box,also useful for Blue Birds and House Wrens


Cut the interior floor size 5 1/2 inches by 6 inches by


3/4 inch thick. Notch off the corners or drill some holes in the bottom for drainage, in case rainwater gets inside. Cut and attach the back, 6 inches wide by 9 3/4


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inches high. By using 3/4 inch material you will have no trouble screwing it together. Use screws instead of nails. Cut the sides to the width of the box. They need to


slant on the top. A1/2 inch difference is sufficient so, 9 3/4 inches at the back and 10 1/4 inches at the front. In northern Ontario the birds are more susceptible to cold than heat. If necessary a row of vent holes may be drilled at this time. Screw the sides to the bottom and back. The top can be made at this time. Thicker is better


for insulation purposes. A nice overhang is good to keep the rain out. Make the back flush or you will not be able to install it on a building, tree, or pole. I recommend a piece of roofing steel on the top, to make it last longer. Cut the wooden top 8 inches by 10 inches. Follow the di- agram to install a cleat holding the front on. Do this after the box is assembled and before the roofing material (steel) is installed. A removable front is necessary, with an oblong hor-


izontal hole, 1 1/8 inches high by 2 inches wide. If you have the means to protect the edges of the hole with metal, do so to prevent the English house sparrow from pecking it larger. The centre of the hole needs to be 6 inches from the floor. The inside of the front panel needs some kerf cuts below the hole in- side, or it should be made from rough lum- ber, so that the baby birds can climb out of the hole. These specs are very important. Screw


little


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cleats on the inside to prevent the front panel from sliding side to side. Screw a 1 by 2 on the bottom of the box, to hold up the front panel, and to hold a little mending plate


strap). Measure and cut


each piece and install each piece so you can measure them individ- ually except the two sides which are the same. Don’t forget


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the kerf cuts and vent holes and cuts. They are much eas- ier to do before assembly than after, although it is possible to correct without taking them apart. Refer to the drawing for the door requirements. To


take the door on and off, just back the screw off of the plumbing strap and turn it. Do this with a hand screw- driver. Wiggle the door off. Screw the entire box together. Do not be tempted to add perches, platforms etc. Na-


tive birds do not need them and English house sparrows and starlings love them! English house sparrows, an introduced species, will


take over birdhouses. They will peck eggs, and kill the young or even the parents of bluebirds and tree swallows. The oblong hole deters them somewhat but does not pre- vent them from entering. For best results, if you have enough land, place these boxes 300 feet from buildings and bridges. English house sparrows, which are actually a finch with a powerful beak, choose sites near on or in man made structures. Hence the name, house sparrow. A bluebird usually prefers a box close to the ground


5 feet high, but will accept one higher. Both bluebirds and tree swallows need the box on a post in the open, although we had bluebirds in a box on the north end of our wood shed. The tree swallow usually nests in a box 12 or more feet from the ground. The house wren is not so picky, often nesting in a box on a building or possibly a tree trunk or a post in a treed area, and will beat up intruders. Bluebirds and tree swallows will not fly through tree


branches to get to their nest boxes. If possible the opening should face away from prevailing winds. Bluebirds will not nest within 100 feet of other bluebirds and for tree swallows the distance is 60 feet, so for best results put a two boxes 15 feet apart and space another pair 100 feet away. Clean out the boxes in the fall and spring. Linda Marie Glass Ward


The Barn Swallow Carpenter (519) 327-4541


(plumbing


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