GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)

Species Code: TATH

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is common in young forests, cuts, prairies, wetlands, open water, and cities throughout forested areas of Washington, and locally in some cities and wetlands in the Columbia Basin. It often occurs at fairly high elevations; nests in cavities in trees, nest boxes, cliffs, or buildings.

Core zones were all forested zones below the Mountain Hemlock zone (west side) and below the Su-balpine Fir zone (east side), as were steppe zones at the edge of the Columbia Basin. All levels of development were good.

Although atlas data are scarce, several sources report Violet-green Swallows nesting at fairly high locations in montane forests. Sharpe (l993) documents a pair investigating nest sites at Hurricane Ridge at 5000 feet. Pairs have also been noted nesting at Snoqualmie Pass ski area in Kittitas County in l989 and l992. Violet-green swallows are not generally deep within contiguous forest, but often occur at the edges of old forests where there are suitable large old trees with cavities for nesting.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester