Stelgidopteryx serripennis
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow cruises at low altitudes when foraging. Frequently, Rough-wings catch insects just as they are emerging from the water's surface. An early 20th-century ornithologist once caught a Northern Rough-winged Swallow and released it 30 mi. (48 km) from its nest. He immediately drove back to the site where he had captured the bird, only to find it feeding its nestlings. Unlike other Rocky Mountain swallows, male Northern Rough-wings, have curved barbs along the outer edge of their primary wing feathers. The purpose of this saw-toothed edge remains a mystery. The ornithologist who initially named this bird must have been very impressed with its wings: Stelgidopteryx (scaper wing) and serripennis (saw feather) refer to this unusual characteristic. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: brown upperparts; light brownish-gray underparts; small bill; dark cheek; dark rump. In flight: long, pointed wings; notched tail. Size: L 51/2 in. (14 cm). Range: uncommon to locally common breeder throughout the Rockies. Habitat: open areas, such as rivers, lakes and marshy areas, up to the lower subalpine. Nesting: occasionally in small colonies; at the end of a burrow lined with leaves and dry grass; sometimes reuses kingfisher burrows, rodent burrows and other land crevices. Feeding: catches flying insects on the wing; occasionally eats insects from the ground; drinks on the wing. Voice: generally quiet; occasionally a quick, short, squeaky brrrtt. Similar Species: Bank Swallow: dark breast band. Tree Swallow: female has green upperparts and a clean white breast. Violet-green Swallow: female has green upperparts, white cheek and rump patches and a white breast. |
