SWALLOWS

Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis

Family Hirundinidae (Swallows)

Size: 5.5"

Season: Year-round in far southern Texas, summer elsewhere

Habitat: Sandy cliffs, steep streamsides, outcrops, bridges

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow flies in a smooth and even fashion, with full wing beats, feeding on insects caught on the wing. It is uniform brownish above and white below. The breast is lightly streaked with pale brown, and the tail is short and square. Juveniles show light rust-colored wing bars on the upper coverts. These fairly solitary swallows find nesting sites in holes in sandy cliffs. The adult is illustrated.