Image via Macaulay Library
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
- Scientific name
- Stelgidopteryx serripennis
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow was formally described by John James Audubon in 1838, who named the species Stelgidopteryx serripennis based on the unique, saw-like serrations found on the outer web of the primary flight feathers. These specialized feathers are a defining anatomical feature of the species, distinguishing it from the closely related Bank Swallow, and are thought to assist in producing the subtle sounds or aerodynamic nuances utilized during flight.
The species is widely distributed across North America, typically nesting in solitary pairs within existing burrows along riverbanks, culverts, or rock crevices rather than in the dense colonies favored by other swallow species. Their design—characterized by earthy, brownish-gray plumage and a subtle, square-tipped tail—favors camouflage against sandy substrates, reflecting an evolutionary adaptation to their preferred nesting environments near water.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Northern Rough-winged Swallow on collecto.rs?
Northern Rough-winged Swallow doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Northern Rough-winged Swallow?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Northern Rough-winged Swallow catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Northern Rough-winged Swallow is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
