Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Question:  What is the correct species of swallow that migrates to 
San Juan Capistrano?
Margaret Weinman

Answer:
It is the Violet-Green Swallow (_Tachycineta thalassina_) that visits
San Juan Capistrano every year.
 
I did not know this off the top of my head, so how did I find out?
Peterson's Field Guide to Western Birds and The Audubon Society Field
Guide to North American Birds are both excellent references but neither
mentioned San Juan Capistrano under swallows. Nor did my encyclopedia
identify the swallow in its entry for San Juan Capistrano.
 
Answer: I called a local pet store that specializes in local and
exotic birds.
 
Moral: the yellow pages can be a valuable information resource!
Jade Hawk