Population status

Bank Swallow
(Riparia riparia)

The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides the most reliable information for this species. BBS data show a steep, persistent decrease in populations between about 1970 and 2000, followed by a slower decline since 2000. The overall rate of decline has resulted in a population loss of 95% since about 1970. However, roadside surveys like the BBS are not an ideal design for Bank Swallows firstly due to their colonial nesting habits, and secondly because their primary nesting habitats (pits, rivers and lakeshores) are not well represented on roadsides. In addition, the precision of the BBS results is only moderate. Therefore the overall status reliability is medium. BBS data from throughout North America suggest that Bank Swallow populations are also decreasing at the continental level.

 

Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis

Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis

Table 1: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime Period Table 1 - footnote 1 Annual trend Table 1 - footnote 2 Intervals Table 1 - footnote3
LowerUpper
Canada Select to view graph of the geographic area: Canada 1970-2012; Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis1970-2012-6.9-8.6-4.4
 

Breeding Bird Survey in North America (BBS) - U.S. analyses

Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey in North America (BBS) - U.S. analyses

Table 2: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime PeriodAnnual trend Table 2 - footnote 1 Limits
LowerUpper
North America Select to view graph of the geographic area: North America 1966-2012; Breeding Bird Survey in North America (BBS) - U.S. analyses1966-2012-5.7-7.1-3.2
 

References