The Steep Decline of Atlantic Coast Swallows

There are four species of swallows found in Maritime Canada: bank swallow (Riparia riparia), barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) and tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor). Population trends for these species and other aerial insectivores (birds that feed almost exclusively on flying insects while in flight) show rapid declines in the last 40 years. These declines are greater than any other group of birds in North America and are particularly severe in northeastern North America.The total population size of each species is unknown, but over the last 40 years there have been significant population declines and these declines are greatest in the Maritimes. It is estimated that bank swallow population in Canada has declined by 98%, with 31% lost in the last 10 years. The rate of decline is similar for the barn swallow, with a loss of 75% of the population, including 30% in just the last 10 years.

Source: Wildlife Preservation Canada
http://wildlifepreservation.ca/east-coast-swallows-2/