By Jim Acquire
Be taught 100 Frequent Valley Birds is a photograph weblog collection highlighting the 100 commonest Valley chook species.
Put up #16 within the Be taught 100 Frequent Valley Birds collection. (Species 21, 22 and 23/100 + 2 BONUS BIRDS)
Tree Swallow Species #21
The Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) is a small, insectivorous chook species discovered all through the Central Valley of California. These birds are identified for his or her modern, iridescent blue-green plumage on their backs and wings, contrasting with their white underparts. They’ve a forked tail and a brief, pointed invoice, which they use to catch bugs on the wing.
Tree Swallows are migratory birds that breed in North America, with some populations wintering in Central and South America. They sometimes arrive within the Central Valley of California in late February or early March and begin breeding in April. These birds are cavity nesters, and so they usually compete with different species, resembling Bluebirds and Home Sparrows, for nesting websites. They construct their nests in tree cavities, birdhouses, and even nest packing containers supplied by people. Tree Swallows lay 4-7 eggs per clutch and lift 1-2 broods per yr.
Their weight-reduction plan consists largely of bugs, which they catch on the wing, however they might additionally eat small fruits and berries. Tree Swallows are an vital a part of the ecosystem, controlling insect populations and serving as prey for bigger birds and mammals.
Cliff Swallow Species #22
The Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) is a migratory chook species that’s discovered within the Central Valley of California through the breeding season, sometimes from March to September. They’re identified for his or her distinctive mud nests that they construct on vertical surfaces resembling cliffs, bridges, and buildings. These nests might be fairly massive, generally housing lots of of birds, and are a standard sight in lots of areas of the Central Valley.
The Cliff Swallow is a extremely social chook and is commonly present in massive flocks, each through the breeding season and through migration. They feed primarily on bugs, which they catch whereas in flight, and are identified for his or her acrobatic flying skills. The breeding cycle of Cliff Swallows begins in early spring, with males arriving first to determine nesting websites and entice females. As soon as paired, the birds construct their mud nests and lift their younger, sometimes producing two broods per season.
Regardless of their adaptability and success within the Central Valley, Cliff Swallow populations have declined in current many years as a result of habitat loss, pesticide use, and different components. Efforts are underway to observe and preserve this vital chook species, which performs an vital function in controlling insect populations and sustaining the ecological steadiness of the area.
Barn Swallow Species #23
The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a standard passerine chook species that may be discovered within the Central Valley of California through the breeding season, which usually lasts from March to September. These birds have a particular look, with a protracted forked tail, blue-black upperparts, and reddish-buff underparts. The female and male are related in look, however the male sometimes has longer tail feathers.
Barn Swallows are identified for his or her acrobatic flight and might usually be seen darting and swooping over open fields and our bodies of water searching for bugs, which make up the majority of their weight-reduction plan.
They construct their cup-shaped nests out of mud and grass and connect them to the underside of buildings resembling bridges, eaves, and cliffs. Barn Swallows are additionally identified for his or her spectacular migratory skills, with people touring hundreds of miles annually to their wintering grounds in Central and South America.
In recent times, the Barn Swallow inhabitants within the Central Valley of California has been declining as a result of components resembling lack of nesting websites and pesticide use. Conservation efforts are underway to guard these birds and their habitat, together with the set up of synthetic nesting buildings and the discount of pesticide use in agricultural areas.
BONUS BIRDS – The next two swallow species are excluded from the 100 Frequent Valley Birds checklist as a result of their considerably decrease prevalence ranges within the valley.
Northern Tough-winged Swallow
The Northern Tough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) is a small passerine chook discovered all through the Central Valley of California, sometimes inhabiting riparian areas, wetlands, and different our bodies of water. This species will get its identify from the tough edges on the forefront of its wings, which assist it to grip onto tough surfaces when perching.
Northern Tough-winged Swallows are sexually monomorphic, that means that women and men look related. They’ve a brownish-gray again and wings, with a barely paler underbelly. Their wings are comparatively quick and pointed, and so they have a brief, barely notched tail. This species is thought for its aerial acrobatics, usually seen swooping and diving over water to catch bugs.
Throughout breeding season, which usually happens from April to September, Northern Tough-winged Swallows construct nests in burrows, crevices, or different appropriate websites in pure or synthetic vertical surfaces, such because the banks of rivers, cliffs, or man-made buildings. They lay 4-6 eggs per clutch, and each dad and mom take part in incubation and feeding of the younger. Northern Tough-winged Swallows are migratory and spend the winter months in Central and South America.
Violet-green Swallow
The Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina) is a small passerine chook species belonging to the swallow household. This species measures round 11-14 cm in size and has a wingspan of roughly 25-30 cm. The males have shiny iridescent inexperienced upperparts, a white underbelly, and a violet patch on their rump, whereas females have much less iridescence and a much less distinct violet rump patch.
Within the Central Valley of California, the Violet-green Swallow breeds in open woodlands, riparian forests, and oak savannas. They sometimes construct their nests in tree cavities, rock crevices, or nest packing containers. Their weight-reduction plan primarily consists of flying bugs, which they catch in mid-air. Through the breeding season, the males carry out aerial acrobatics to draw females, and each dad and mom feed and care for his or her younger. Violet-green Swallows are migratory birds and sometimes spend their winters in Mexico and Central America earlier than returning to their breeding grounds within the Central Valley within the spring. Total, the Violet-green Swallow is a vital and charismatic species of the Central Valley’s avifauna.
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