General

Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Small, stocky swallow with brown upperparts, paler underparts, and pale brown throat. Tail is squared with white undertail coverts. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has two distinct cinnamon-brown wing-bars.

Range and Habitat

Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Breeds from southeastern Alaska and southern Canada southward throughout the U.S. Spends winters north to southern California, the Gulf Coast, and southern Florida.

Breeding and Nesting

Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Four to eight white eggs are laid in a burrow or natural cavity; also uses ready-made cavities in bridges, culverts, and other streamside masonry. Eggs are incubated for 12 days by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Eats insects; forages in flight, taking insects in the air or from the water surface; sometimes forages on the ground. Drinks by skimming the water surface while in flight.

Vocalization

Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Song is a low, unmusical "br-r-ret."

Similar Species

Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Bank Swallow is smaller and has a white throat and brown breast band.