Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Open Bird Bucket List ↗
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Stelgidopteryx serripennis
- Spanish Name: Golondrina alirrasposa norteña
- Family: Hirundinidae
- Known Nicknames: Rough-winged Swallow
- Average Length: 12–15 cm / 4.7–5.9 in
- Average Weight: 14–20 g / 0.5–0.7 oz
- Wingspan: 27–30 cm / 10.6–11.8 in
- Key Feature: Saw-toothed edge on outer primary wing feathers
- Primary Diet: Insectivore
- Range: Southern Canada through USA to Central America and the Caribbean
- Habitat: Open areas near water, such as streams, lakes, and marshes
- Social Structure: Solitary or Loose Colonies
- Nesting/Breeding: Burrows in banks, cliffs, or man-made structures
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Population Trend: Stable
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow (*Stelgidopteryx serripennis*) is a subtly elegant, agile insectivore found across North America, distinguished by its unique adaptation: the outer edge of its primary wing feathers features tiny, stiff barbules that create a serrated or "rough" texture—a feature that likely reduces wind noise during high-speed aerial maneuvers. With a slender, streamlined body measuring about 5–6 inches, it sports a brownish-gray back, a pale throat, and a dusky, unmarked underbelly, lacking the distinct chest band of many similar swallows. Unlike its colonial relatives, this species often nests solitarily in natural cavities like abandoned kingfisher burrows or cliff crevices, lining its nest with grass and feathers. Its flight is a series of swift, erratic darts and glides as it chases flying insects over open fields and waterways, making it a master of the sky yet a quiet, understated presence among the more flamboyant swallow family.
Fun Facts
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow gets its name from the tiny serrations or barbs on the outer edge of its primary flight feathers, which produce a rough, buzzing sound during flight—a unique adaptation that may help reduce noise or aid in maneuverability. Unlike other swallows that nest in colonies, this species is fiercely solitary, often nesting alone in abandoned kingfisher burrows or natural cavities along riverbanks. It has a quirky habit of “foot-trembling” while perched, rapidly vibrating its feet to flush out insects from the ground. Additionally, it is one of the few swallows that will occasionally feed on the ground, hopping clumsily like a sparrow to snatch up ants or beetles.
Habitats & Distribution
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow inhabits open or semi-open landscapes near water, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. It is commonly found in lowland areas, including grasslands, agricultural fields, and marshes, where it forages for flying insects. This species typically nests in natural or artificial cavities, often in sandy banks, road cuts, gravel pits, or drainage pipes, preferring vertical or steep earthen substrates with soft soil. Its geographical range spans much of North America, breeding from southern Alaska and Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. During winter, it migrates to coastal regions of the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, with some populations reaching as far south as Panama. It is absent from the arid interior of the western U.S. and high-elevation mountain areas.
Behaviours & Reproduction
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow is generally solitary or found in small, loose colonies, often nesting in burrows excavated in banks, road cuts, or even drainpipes. Unlike many swallows, they do not form large, dense colonies. Mating is typically monogamous for the breeding season, with pairs forming shortly after arrival on breeding grounds. Males perform aerial displays to attract females, and courtship may involve chasing and vocalizations. A unique reproductive strategy is their use of existing cavities or abandoned burrows from kingfishers or bank swallows, which they may enlarge rather than dig entirely themselves. The female lays 4-7 white eggs, and both parents share incubation duties for about 12-16 days, with the young fledging after 18-21 days. They produce one brood per season, though renesting may occur if the first attempt fails.
Diet
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow is an aerial insectivore, meaning its diet consists almost exclusively of flying insects captured on the wing. They feed on a wide variety of small, soft-bodied arthropods, with a particular preference for flies, bees, wasps, ants, and beetles, often hunting low over fields, water, or open terrain. An interesting fact about their foraging is that they are somewhat less social than other swallows, frequently feeding alone or in small, loose groups rather than in large, dense flocks. Additionally, their scientific species name *serripennis* refers to the serrated edges on their primary wing feathers, which produce a distinctive buzzing sound in flight, though this adaptation is more related to flight mechanics than directly to their diet.
Colors
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow is a small, streamlined bird with a dull, unstreaked brown back and a pale whitish-gray throat and chest that fades into a light brownish wash on the belly and under-tail coverts. Its most distinctive feature is the lack of a dark breast band, unlike many other swallows, and it possesses a subtle, rough edge on the outer wing feather (the "sawtooth" adaptation) that aids in flight but is not visible as a color or pattern. The bird’s overall muted, plain coloration provides effective camouflage against mud banks and rocky ledges where it nests.
Distribution Map
Places linked to this species. A sighting is never guaranteed.
Featured places
Tours where this species is featured
