ExploreBirds

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow is a small bird with a brownish body and a unique rough edge on its wings. These birds love to fly and catch insects in the air, making them fun to watch!

Habitat: Coastal areas, Urban areas, Wetlands

Appearance

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow is a medium-sized bird with a dull brown back, dusky throat and breast, and a white belly. Its most distinct feature is the tiny, hook-like serrations on its outer primary wing feathers, giving it a 'rough' edge.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyHirundinidaeGenusStelgidopteryx
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
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Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

These swallows get their name from tiny hooks on their wing feathers!

They often reuse old kingfisher or even groundhog burrows for their nests.

They sometimes line their cozy nest tunnels with snake skins!

Unlike many other swallows, they rarely nest in huge colonies.

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Insect Net

Northern Rough-winged Swallows can catch insects mid-flight because of their agile wings, allowing them to twist and turn rapidly.

Ability

Earth Engineer

Northern Rough-winged Swallows can dig their own nest tunnels into earthen banks because of their strong bills, providing a safe nursery.

Ability

Air Current Sensor

Northern Rough-winged Swallows have unique rough-edged wing feathers that might help them feel subtle air currents during flight.

Measurements & details

Length
12-15 cm
Wingspan
27-30 cm
Weight
0.01-0.018 kg
Lifespan
2-6 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
4-8
Incubation
12-16 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

These swallows are insectivores, catching flying bugs like mosquitoes and flies right out of the air!

Primary Foods

  • Flies
  • Mosquitoes
  • Beetles
  • Wasps
  • Moths

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Kestrels are known predators of small birds.

eats

House Fly

Musca domestica

Swallows actively hunt and eat these common flying insects.

eats

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

These swallows help control mosquito populations.

depends on

Groundhog

Marmota monax

Swallows often reuse abandoned groundhog burrows for nesting.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Northern Rough-winged Swallow?

12-15 cm

What is Northern Rough-winged Swallow's wingspan?

27-30 cm

How much does Northern Rough-winged Swallow weigh?

0.01-0.018 kg

How long does Northern Rough-winged Swallow live?

2-6 years

How fast can Northern Rough-winged Swallow move?

55 km/h

What does Northern Rough-winged Swallow eat?

These swallows are insectivores, catching flying bugs like mosquitoes and flies right out of the air!

Where is Northern Rough-winged Swallow usually found?

Coastal areas, Urban areas, Wetlands

How does Northern Rough-winged Swallow hunt?

Pursuit

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Where to spot

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