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Spring cold snaps harm nesting tree swallows, but some show resilience

Strategic angle: A new study reveals the impact of climate change on tree swallows' nesting patterns and the challenges posed by early spring cold snaps.

Editorial Staff · 2026-04-06 · 1 MIN READ

Tree swallows are now nesting up to two weeks earlier than they did in the 1970s, a shift attributed to rising temperatures associated with climate change.

However, the occurrence of early spring cold snaps can adversely affect the growth and survival rates of nestlings, presenting a critical risk to their development.

This study underscores the resilience of certain tree swallows, which may adapt to these environmental challenges, but highlights the ongoing risks posed by climate variability.