Things You'll Need:
- Binoculars
- Bird guide book
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Step 1
Determine the bird's size. Smallest of all swallows, bank swallows are 5 to 6 inches from head to tail, with a long wingspan of 10 to 11 inches.
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Step 2
Identify the coloring using binoculars. A bank swallow's body has a brown top and white chest, with a dark band running across the upper middle chest.
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Step 3
Look for distinct features on its capped head. It has dark brown eyes, a dark short bill, a brown crown, brown forehead and nape, and a white band that curls under its throat.
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Step 4
Find its other distinguishing physical features, such as short brown legs, a brown forked tail and long pointed wings. To confirm, look at a bird guide book such as "National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition."
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Step 5
Distinguish its flight habits. The bank swallow flies with quick, erratic fluttering and rapid, shallow wing beats. They typically fly in flocks, particularly when feeding on flying insects.
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Step 6
Listen for this songbird's call, which is a harsh, dry and steady chattering. A number of websites such at Whatbird include audio files of the bird's call.
