| About five inches long. Green
upperparts and white face patches. White underside and rump. Inhabits
forests, mountains, farms and towns from Alaska and the Yukon throughout the western
mountain states to California, Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. Winters from California to
Central America
Builds nests of grass and feathers in natural or abandoned tree
cavities or in cliff crevices. Like the tree swallow, this bird readily accepts bird
houses.
Lays four or five white eggs which hatch after about two weeks
incubation and young leave the nest in about three weeks.
Eats flying insects.
The Violet Green Swallow nest box (same as for Tree Swallow) has a 5" by 5" floor, 8" inside
ceiling, 1 1/2" diameter entrance hole located 6" above the floor and
ventilation openings.
Kit is assembled with corrosion resistant screws fit to pre-drilled countersunk pilot
holes. Hinged roof is secured with shutter hooks for easy access.
Mount on a tree or post in open woodlands or hang from a tree branch or under an eave
between four and twenty feet high with partial sun and shade.
Remove the nest after the brood rearing seasons are over.
Sparrows, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers and wrens may use this
box.
Bruce Horsfall
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