Pl. CL
The Birds · Plate CL
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Hirundinidae · Taxon 11970
| Length | 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in) |
| Wingspan | 27–30 cm (10.6–11.8 in) |
| Weight | 10–18 g (0.3–0.6 oz) |
Field marks
- Plain brown upperparts without bold markings
- Dingy gray-brown throat and chest fading gradually to whitish belly
- Small rounded head with a short, dark bill and dark eye
- Long, broad-based, pointed wings
- Short, nearly square tail with a shallow notch
- Short, dark legs and feet
HabitatOpen areas, fields, waterways, and open woodland, especially near streams, ponds, and lakes. Nests singly or in small groups in earthen-bank burrows and in crevices or cavities in structures.
BehaviorAerial insectivore that twists and glides low over water and open ground, using relatively slow, deliberate wingbeats. Often forages alone or in small groups and perches on exposed branches, wires, and posts.
Palette
warm browngray-browndirty whitecharcoal black