Violet-green Swallows are one of the birds that migrate here to breed from Central America. We build nesting boxes for them since there aren’t as many old trees with natural cavities as there used to be but the space created by a dead and decaying branch is just what they’re looking for. The parents bring a steady stream of insects to feed the young inside and remove fecal sacs (below). It’s thought that it helps keep the nest less smelly and noticeable to predators…some parents not only remove the fecal sac but will occasionally consume them since the young don’t fully metabolize all the nutrients in them making it an added tasty treat.
