Image via Macaulay Library
Southern Rough-winged Swallow
- Scientific name
- Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The Southern Rough-winged Swallow was formally described by the French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1817. As a member of the genus Stelgidopteryx, it is closely related to the Northern Rough-winged Swallow, with its naming convention derived from the unique serrated edges of its outer primary wing feathers. These feathers possess small, hook-like structures that produce a faint sound, a distinctive trait that evolved as a specialized feature of the species' flight morphology.
The species is widely distributed across Central and South America, thriving in a variety of open and semi-open habitats. It is characterized by its pointed wings and slightly forked tail, which facilitate agile, low-altitude hunting of aerial insects. Unlike many other swallow species that nest in large colonies, the Southern Rough-winged Swallow is known for its solitary nesting habits, often utilizing existing crevices, riverbanks, or man-made structures to secure its brood.
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 Southern Rough-winged Swallow
Southern 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 Southern Rough-winged Swallow on collecto.rs?
Southern 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 Southern 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 Southern Rough-winged Swallow catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Southern 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
