Download the Story of San Juan Capistrano's Mission Swallows

The miracle of the "Swallows" of Capistrano takes place each year at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, on March 19th, St. Joseph's Day.

Artwork  Titles: “Cliff Swallow Totem” and “Cliff Swallows and Nests Site”
Courtesy of Artist Monique F. Rea  

To learn more about the Swallows art featured and artist, please visit her web site at www.mfrartwork.com or contact her through email. 


As the faithful little birds wing their way back to the most famous Mission in California, the village of San Juan Capistrano takes on a fiesta air and the visitors from all the parts of the world, and all walks of life, gather in great numbers to witness the "miracle" of the return of the swallows.

Each year the "Scout Swallows" precede the main flock by a few days and it seems to be their chief duty to clear the way for the main flock to arrive at the "Old Mission" of Capistrano.

With the arrival of early dawn on St. Joseph's Day, the little birds begin to arrive and begin rebuilding their mud nests, which are clinging to the ruins of the old stone church of San Juan Capistrano. The arches of the two story, high vaulted Chapel were left bare and exposed, as the roof collapsed during the earthquake of 1812.

This Chapel, said to be the largest and most ornate in any of the missions, now has a more humble destiny -- that of housing the birds that St. Francis loved so well.

After the summer spent within the sheltered walls of the Old Mission in San Juan Capistrano, the swallows take flight again, and on the Day of San Juan, October 23, they leave after circling the Mission bidding farewell to the "Jewel of the Missions".

Swallow the Leader
Click here to watch this fun video about the swallows return to Mission San Juan Capistrano

Frequently asked questions about the swallows
1. Where are the swallows?
The Cliff Swallows begin to arrive in March from their winter home in Argentina . Between March and October they can be seen building nests in the eaves. Due to urbanization, they seek out areas near water and food sources such as a concrete under pass or bridge near creeks. They start their migration back to Argentina in October.

2. Do the swallows still come back?
The Swallows come back every March.  When the Great Stone Church was stabilized, the preservationists removed the nests that had been constructed over a very long period.  When the nests were removed, the swallows diverted to other portions of San Juan Capistrano.  Also, the swallows came back to the Mission because it was the main and biggest building. With the development of the community, there became alternative locations for them to build their nests.

Swallows Articles
Choosing where to live and when to come back from the Cliff Swallows Perspective
Professor Charles R. Brown. Click here to learn more.
Article courtesy of Phi Kappa Phi Forum

Click here for more information about St. Joseph's Day and the return of these famous swallows

Please see our History section for more detailed information about the history of Mission San Juan Capistrano.

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Mission San Juan Capistrano Preservation Funds
26801 Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

For questions, please call Barb Beier at (949) 234-1323 or email

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