Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

About Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

Kingdom: Animals
Phylum: Chordates
Class: Birds
Order: Perching Birds
Family: Swallows

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.

Threat Status: Least concern

Unknown

Lifelists

Trips

Visits

2007-04-10

Ejido Lagoon, United States of America
2007-04-24

Heron's Head Park, United States of America
2007-10-18

Ruiz Cortines, Mexico
2009-01-16

Tulum, Mexico

Ridgeway's based on range.
2009-02-03

Los Tarrales, Guatemala
2009-05-05

Elgin - Bluff Spring Fen, United States of America
2010-02-20

Temescaltepec, Mexico
2011-05-29

Del Puerto Canyon and Mines Road, United States of America
2012-05-06

Golden Gate Park - Buffalo Paddock, United States of America
2013-03-23

Coyote Point County Park--harbor and marsh, United States of America
2013-04-19

Bolivar Peninsula, United States of America
2013-04-20

Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, United States of America
2013-09-07

Mountain Lake, United States of America
2014-03-09

Hahamongna Watershed Park, United States of America
2014-03-09

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, United States of America
2014-04-05

Cosumnes River Preserve, United States of America
2014-05-09

Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station, United States of America
2014-05-10

Pinery Canyon, United States of America
2014-06-14

Peaarson-Arastradero Preserve, United States of America
2014-07-12

Windy Hill OSP, United States of America
2015-04-26

Jenner, United States of America
2015-05-24

Montrose Point, United States of America
2015-05-25

Montrose Point, United States of America
2015-05-26

Nelson Lake Forest Preserve, United States of America
2015-07-18

Ano Nuevo State Park, United States of America
2016-05-06

Montrose Point, United States of America
2018-04-20

Big Bend National Park, United States of America
2019-03-04

Scottsdale, United States of America
2020-02-01

San Sebastian del Oeste, Mexico
2021-04-24

Lake Merced , United States of America
2021-05-21

Illinois Beach State Park, United States of America
2021-05-22

Illinois Beach State Park, United States of America
2021-05-23

Montrose Point, United States of America
2021-05-24

Montrose Point, United States of America
2021-05-25

Montrose Point, United States of America
2021-05-26

Montrose Point, United States of America
2021-05-27

Montrose Point, United States of America
2021-05-28

Montrose Point, United States of America
2021-05-29

Montrose Point, United States of America
2021-05-30

Nelson Lake Forest Preserve, United States of America
2021-06-10

Bishop, United States of America
2023-05-11

Montrose Point, United States of America
2023-05-12

Montrose Point, United States of America
2023-05-13

Illinois Beach State Park, United States of America
2023-05-15

Burnidge Forest Preserve, United States of America
2023-10-03

La Fortuna, Costa Rica
2024-03-26

Monte Alban, Mexico
2024-03-27

Yagul, Mexico
2024-03-27

Cerro del Fortin, Mexico
2024-03-28

Monte Alban, Mexico
2024-03-28

San Jose del Pacifico, Mexico
2024-03-29

San Jose del Pacifico, Mexico
2024-04-03

La Guacamayas, Mexico
2024-04-11

Parque Fundidora, Mexico