Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Stelgidopteryx serripennis
ORDER: PASSERIFORMES
FAMILY: HIRUNDINIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
A plain brown bird, the Northern Rough-winged Swallow is fairly common across the United States in summer. The species derives its name from the outer wing feathers, which have small hooks or points on their leading edges.
Appearance
Swallows
Adult Description
- Small, long-winged stocky songbird.
- Small bill.
- Wings long and pointed.
- Uniformly dull brown head and upperparts.
- Pale brown throat.
Immature Description
Juvenile similar to adult, but with cinnamon wash on throat and indistinct cinnamon edges on brown feathers of upperparts, most noticeable on wings.
Similar Species
- Bank Swallow is smaller and has a distinct dark brown breastband separating a clean white throat and white lower breast.
- Juvenile Tree Swallow has brownish back and a dull chest, but it has a faint band across chest and a whitish throat.