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Mass Audubon State of the Birds

Find Bird Groups

Bank Swallow
Riparia riparia

The Bank Swallow requires riverbanks and gravel pits for nesting, but its distribution in Massachusetts has declined significantly to a somewhat restricted level in recent years. This is possibly due to the fact that these habitats have become more restricted or because of a general decline in the abundance of the flying insects that constitute the species' diet.
Conservation Status
Conservation Action Urgent

Tracking This Bird In Massachusetts

Climate Vulnerability Score

Likely Vulnerable
Mass Audubon Mean likelihood of occurrence (current)
0.53
Mass Audubon Mean likelihood of occurrence (2050)
0.44
Mass Audubon Absolute change in likelihood of occurrence
-0.09
U.S. Forest Service Climate Change Bird Atlas (Hadly Hi emissions scenario)a
-12.60
National Audubon Societyb
Climate Endangered
a USFS model data for Massachusetts by 2100
b National Audubon Society's Climate Change Atlas was completed on a continental scale.

Breeding Bird Atlas

Atlas I Blocks
308
Atlas II Blocks
279
Percent of state occupied - Atlas I
32
Percent of state occupied - Atlas II
27
Percent change
80

Breeding Bird Survey

Annual trend 1966-2010
-5.1%
P-value
significant, declining
Number of routes
23
Recent trend 2000-2010
-4.6%

Christmas Bird Count

Trend (1963-2008)
0
Significantly different than zero
Trend (1963-1979)
0
Significantly different than zero
Trend (1979-2008)
0
Significantly different than zero

Habitat Usage

Breeding

Coastal, Grassland, Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds, Urban and Suburban

Wintering

Does not winter in Massachusetts

Climate Suitability Current and 2050