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Thousands Of Swallows Dead From ‘Bad Weather’ Has ‘Stunned Wildlife Experts’ In Oregon, America

The storms that have thrashed Oregon have taken a big toll on swallows, killing thousands from St. Helens to Junction City.

Residents have reported groups ranging from 10 to 200 dead or dying barn and violet-green swallows in barns and around other structures where they perch. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said the dieoffs appear to be worst close to rivers and standing water where the birds tend to gather.

The toll, estimated in the thousands, has stunned Fish and Wildlife specialists. “This type of mortality event is unprecedented and considered a rare and unusual event,” said Colin Gillin, wildlife veterinarian for the agency. “The effect on bird populations is unknown.”

Pathologists at the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory who examined carcasses said their bodies were emaciated, indicating that the birds had not eaten during the recent harsh weather. They suspect that consecutive days of pounding rain and strong winds had prevented the swallows from feeding at a time when they normally would be bulking up in preparation for their winter migration to Central and South America.

The swallows feed on insects while flying. Severe weather can prevent young or weaker birds from consuming enough food to sustain them in flight. The swallows come to Oregon in summer and return south in winter.