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 much of the continental U.S. Spends winters from southern California south to southern Mexico, along the Gulf Coast, and in southern Florida. Nests in cliffs, along riverbanks, and beneath bridges.

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.