Collection: Tree swallow

The tree swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor ) is one of the first migrants to return to Quebec each spring. With its metallic blue back, white belly, and graceful flight, it enlivens the skies above lakes, ponds, and open fields. It feeds almost exclusively on insects caught in flight, playing an important role in the natural regulation of mosquitoes. The tree swallow often nests in dead tree cavities or nest boxes installed by nature enthusiasts. Highly sociable, it is easy to observe near bodies of water. However, its populations are declining, particularly due to the loss of nesting sites and the decline in insects linked to pesticides. Providing a favorable habitat for this species, such as well-located nest boxes, is a concrete act of conservation. It symbolizes spring, energy, and the balance between birdlife and the human environment.