Watercolor portrait of Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia)

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia
Long-distance migrant Open country near water—riverbanks, lake… Common Burbling flight song

Learn to identify the Bank Swallow by ear. Master the "pit-pit-pit-prreet-prreet" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“pit-pit-pit-prreet-prreet”

What the Bank Swallow sounds like

The Bank Swallow is the smallest North American swallow, a streamlined brown-and-white bird that nests colonially in burrows dug into sandy riverbanks and lakeshores. Agile, light, and constantly in motion, it hawks insects over open water and fields, often in large flocks during migration.

“pit-pit-pit-prreet-prreet”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A series of soft, rapid twitters delivered in flight by males over the colony during courtship flights. Often written as “pit-pit-pit-prreet-prreet”.
Don't confuse with:The Tree Swallow — tree swallow has glossy blue-green upperparts

Where you'll hear it

Open country near water—riverbanks, lakeshores, coastal bluffs, sand and gravel pits, agricultural fields, and wetlands—where vertical earthen walls are available for nesting.

Arrives on the breeding grounds from April to May, raises 1–2 broods through July, forms large premigratory flocks in August, and departs southward by September. Winters in the tropics from October to March.

Similar species

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow has glossy blue-green upperparts

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Rough-winged is slightly larger and warmer brown

Cliff Swallow

Cliff Swallow shows pale rump patch and squared tail

Bank Swallow song FAQ

What does a Bank Swallow sound like?
A series of soft, rapid twitters delivered in flight by males over the colony during courtship flights. Listen for the "pit-pit-pit-prreet-prreet" phrase.
How do I tell a Bank Swallow from a Tree Swallow by sound?
Tree Swallow: Tree Swallow has glossy blue-green upperparts; Lacks Bank Swallow's dark breast band.
When is the best time to hear a Bank Swallow?
Arrives on the breeding grounds from April to May, raises 1–2 broods through July, forms large premigratory flocks in August, and departs southward by September. Winters in the tropics from October to March.