Northern Rough-winged Swallow
A species of Rough-winged Swallows Scientific name : Stelgidopteryx serripennis Genus : Rough-winged Swallows
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, A species of Rough-winged Swallows
Botanical name: Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Genus: Rough-winged Swallows
Content
Description General Info
Description
The northern Rough-winged Swallow is a common and widespread species of swallow, known for its rough-textured wings and distinctive call. It can be found near water sources such as streams, rivers and wetlands, where it feeds on insects while in flight. During breeding season, males perform acrobatic displays to attract a mate. This species can be easily distinguished from other swallows by its brown back, white underbelly and distinctive rough-textured wings. 
Size
14 cm (5.5 in)
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Life Expectancy
5.9 years
Nest Placement
Burrow
Clutch Size
4 - 8 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
16 - 17 days
Nestling Period
17 - 22 days
Feeding Habits
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, insectivores, feed on small flying insects caught midair or from water surfaces. They exhibit low, direct foraging flights with intermittent glides. While typically feeding over water, they also feed over land. There’s an instance of northern Rough-winged Swallow consuming cracked corn. They also drink in flight by skimming water surfaces.
Habitat
Northern Rough-winged Swallow is primarily found in close proximity to various water bodies, including streams, lakes, and riverbanks. This species can also inhabit arid regions, such as arroyos. Preferring open areas for foraging, often near water, northern Rough-winged Swallow's range of habitation extends from sea level up to an altitude of approximately 6,500 feet. In regions like Mexico and Central America, they are common in lowlands and foothills beside rivers, lakes, and above agricultural fields.
Nest Behavior
Breeding northern Rough-winged Swallow select nesting sites near water, build nests in spring, and exhibit solitary to small group nesting. Post-egg-laying, both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing.
Nest Characteristics
Northern Rough-winged Swallow constructs nests in natural or previously excavated cavities, such as burrows or crevices in banks, or human-made structures like gutters and pipes. Nests are cup-shaped, built from grass and twigs, and range from 11–40 inches deep.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Bird Feeder Type
Platform
Sounds
Call
Recording location: United States
Behavior
Northern Rough-winged Swallow exhibit a distinctive flight pattern, characterized by slower wingbeats and an upright wing posture during glides. They are commonly observed in solo or small group flights, often at lower altitudes near water bodies and amidst wooded areas, unlike their swallow kin. Northern Rough-winged Swallow are less gregarious during breeding, with males actively protecting nesting sites. Seasonally, they integrate with other swallows, showcasing a flexible social structure.
Distribution Area
The northern rough-winged swallow is native to Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States. They are vagrant to Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, and Sint Maarten. The populations in the US and Canada have been found to winter in the southernmost US and further south. While this is true, the populations in Mexico and further south seem to be non-migratory, although local post-breeding movements do occur. This swallow has been found to occur as high as 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in Costa Rica.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Swallows Genus
Rough-winged Swallows Species
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 
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