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Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)



Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

Class: Aves
Family: Hirundinidae
Common Name: Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Genus: Stelgidopteryx
Species Name: serripennis

About The Northern Rough-winged Swallow

A medium-sized (5-5 ¾ inches) swallow, the Northern Rough-winged Swallow is most easily identified by its brown back, light brown breast and throat, and notched tail. This species may be distinguished from the similarly-colored Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) by that species’ smaller size and contrasting pale breast and distinct brown breast patch. Male and female Northern Rough-winged Swallows are similar to one another in all seasons. The Northern Rough-winged Swallow breeds across the United States and southern Canada, as well as in Mexico and Central America. Most North American populations spend the winter from the Gulf coast and the Colorado River Valley south to Central America. Most tropical populations, as well as those breeding in the extreme southern U.S., are likely non-migratory. Northern Rough-winged Swallows breed in a variety of open habitats near suitable nesting sites, preferring to build their nests on cliffs, riverbanks, or, in modern times, bridges and buildings. During the winter, migrant populations generally congregate near small to medium-sized bodies of water. This species exclusively eats flying insects. As is the case with most swallow species, it is possible to observe Northern Rough-winged Swallows feeding on insects while in flight. Birdwatchers in this species’ breeding range may want to pay special attention to bridges or the eaves of buildings, as a careful search of these structures may reveal a nesting colony. Northern Rough-winged Swallows are primarily active during the day.



Rights Holder: Unknown
Bibliographic Citation: Rumelt, Reid B. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. June-July 2012. Brief natural history summary of Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.

Trips Where Observed

Chicago
Costa Rica
Mexico
Mexico to Panama
Mexico, Veracruz
San Francisco 2007
Southeast Arizona
Texas

Member Lifelists

California
Illinois
Mexico
North America
San Francisco
United States
World

Sites Where Observed

Location
Date
Notes
1/16/2009
Ridgeway's based on range.
3/27/2024

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