Episode 112: Sound Key to Swallows of the Midwest – Voice of the Wild

Six Swallows and a Swift 

Six species of swallow (and one swift) are common in the Midwest. This episode can be used as a key to identify them by their vocalizations.

Voice of the Wild is a podcast about wildlife and the wild sounds they make. 

• Visit the VoW homepage
• Subscribe on a podcast platform
• Sign up for the Newsletter 

The following Cornell Lab | Macaulay Library recordings were used in this episode: 

• Barn Swallow call by William W. H. Gunn (ML508109)
• Barn Swallow call by Randolph Little and Warren Y. Brockelman (ML508110)
• Tree Swallow song by Wil Hershberger (ML508086)
• Tree Swallow call by Wil Hershberger (ML508089)
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow call by Gregory Budney (ML508077)
• Purple Martin song by Wil Hershberger (ML508082)
• Purple Martin song by Geoffrey A. Keller (ML508078)
• Cliff Swallow call by Thomas G. Sander (ML508112)
• Cliff Swallow call by Thomas G. Sander (ML508115)
• Bank Swallow call by Geoffrey A. Keller (ML508102)
• Bank Swallow call by William W. H. Gunn (ML508104)
• Chimney Swift call by Wil Hershberger (ML507186)

Sources and more: 

• Cornell’s All About Birds
• Audubon
• Field guide to hotspots and birds in Illinois by Colin Dobson
• Peterson field guide to the birds (Fourth edition)
• Sibley Birds East

What is Voice of the Wild?

If you learn to listen for them, you will find wildlife everywhere. Voice of the Wild is a podcast about wildlife and the wild sounds they make. Tune in every Friday to learn a new bird song, frog call, or insect noise. Voice of the Wild is an AI-free podcast. Generative tools are not used to write, research, or edit any part of the show.

This is Illinois Extension’s voice of the wild. Six species of swallow are common in the Midwest. when on the wing, their small size, rapid flight, and preference for open areas can make visual identification difficult. This episode can be used to learn or identify them using their vocalizations. First I’ll give the name of the species, then any relevant facts that might help with identification, then I’ll play their song.

Barn swallow
The barn swallow’s call sounds almost like the opening and closing of a pair of scissors and is often interspersed with clicks.

tree swallow
tree swallows have a song composed of three distinct parts which are sang in varying patterns. Their calls can sound very harsh.

northern rough-winged swallow
rough winged swallows are usually much quieter than other swallows. When given, their calls are usually described as a churt

purple martin
Purple martins are large. Their calls are uniquely fluid, bubbly, and quite loud.

cliff swallow
cliff swallows have a harsh sounding song filled with creaks and groans, but more often are heard giving their brief “churr” calls, often as a group.

bank swallow
bank swallows have a low chattering call, almost like a phone vibrating on a table

chimney swift
the chimney swift is not closely to the swallows but also forages on the wing and may be confused for a swallow. Their skittering calls are very high in pitch.

Thank you to the Macaulay library at the Cornell lab for today’s sound. Learn more about voice of the wild at go.illinois.edu/VOW