High above our mountain retreat, a flash of brown darts through the air. It’s the Bank Swallow, a tiny acrobat with a big personality! While you won’t find them nesting in our mountains, these fascinating feathered friends grace Costa Rica’s skies twice a year during their migration.

A Master of the Skies

The Bank Swallow is a compact bird, barely bigger than your thumb. Their brown upper body contrasts beautifully with a crisp white underside, and a distinctive dark chest band adds a touch of elegance. Watch closely, and you’ll see their long, notched tail and narrow wings propel them through the air with incredible agility. Their flight is a mesmerizing display of quick flicks and bursts of speed, as they hunt for flying insects.

Migratory Marvels

Unlike many resident birds you’ll see around the retreat, Bank Swallows are true globetrotters. They breed in North America and Europe, venturing south for the winter. Costa Rica serves as a crucial stopover point on their incredible journey. Look for them between late August and early November during their southbound migration, and again from early March to mid-May as they head back north.

A Colony Way of Life

Bank Swallows are highly social birds, forming large colonies that can number in the hundreds or even thousands! They don’t build nests in the traditional sense. Instead, they use their sharp beaks to excavate tunnels in sandy banks alongside rivers, lakes, and even human-made structures like gravel pits. These tunnels can be up to three feet long, ending in a cozy chamber where they raise their young.

Spotting these Soaring Stars

While the Bank Swallow isn’t a resident at our mountain retreat, you might be lucky enough to see them during their migration. Keep an eye out for them over open areas like fields, marshes, and ponds. They often mix with other swallow species, so their agility and distinctive chest band can help you identify them.

A Vital Part of the Ecosystem

These tiny birds play a significant role in Costa Rica’s ecosystem. Their constant hunting helps control insect populations, keeping them in check and promoting a healthy balance.

Witnessing the Wonder

The next time you gaze up at Costa Rica’s vast sky, remember the incredible journey of the Bank Swallow. These little marvels remind us of the interconnectedness of our planet and the beauty of migration.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica