Bank Swallow

Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) is in the Swallows and Martins family (Hirundinidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,448 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Bank Swallow: observations by month (U.S.)

About Bank Swallow

The sand martin (Riparia riparia) or European sand martin, bank swallow in the Americas, and collared sand martin in the Indian Subcontinent, is a migratory passerine bird in the swallow family. It has a wide range in summer, embracing practically the whole of Europe and the Mediterranean countries, part of northern Asia and also North America. It winters in eastern and southern Africa, South America and the Indian Subcontinent.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Bank Swallow by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Swallows and Martins)

Barn SwallowHirundo rustica

Tree SwallowTachycineta bicolor

Cliff SwallowPetrochelidon pyrrhonota

Purple MartinProgne subis

Northern Rough-winged SwallowStelgidopteryx serripennis

Violet-green SwallowTachycineta thalassina

Cave SwallowPetrochelidon fulva

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ