The Northern Rough-winged Swallow is a winter resident of extreme southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America. But in the summer months, this insectivore is here. It is a plain bird that often goes unnoticed while its brighter-coloured companion swallows stand out. Yet, its numbers are comparable to that of other swallows.
But, the plainness of the Rough-winged doesn’t seem to account for the disparity of observations of it by comparison to Tree Swallows. I have only a handful of observations of Rough-winged compared to the myriad of ones of Tree Swallows including ones of them mating and feeding young. No, the disparity seems to be mainly a result of where it nests and human convenience. It nests in bank burrows, unlike Tree Swallows that favour accessible human-made structures.
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow eats insects which it catches on the wing.
Its feathers are fairly plain.
And it spends a great deal of time on the wing.
This pair is clearly having an important conversation.
Such beautiful birds and photos!