Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Stelgidopteryx serripennis
The outer wing feathers of males have tiny hooks that feel like a file, giving them their 'rough-winged' name.
- Scientific name
- Stelgidopteryx serripennis
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Hirundinidae › Stelgidopteryx
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Riverbanks, lakeshores, and coastal cliffs near open water.
- Diet
- Aerial insects including flies, beetles, and winged ants.
- Range
- North America, Central America, Mexico
- Size
- 12-14 cm long, wingspan of 27-30 cm
- Lifespan
- 2-6 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Pesticide use reducing prey availability and habitat destruction of riparian zones.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. These birds are sensitive to nesting disturbance; maintain a 15-meter distance from dirt banks where they burrow. If an injured bird is found, contact a licensed avian rehabilitator; do not attempt to feed it.
The northern rough-winged swallow ( Stelgidopteryx serripennis ) is a small, migratory swallow. It is very similar to the southern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis .
Photo: no rights reserved, CC0, via iNaturalist
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