Northern Rough-winged Swallow

13-15 cm (5-6") Fairly common and widespread across North America. Near water.

Grayish-brown back, throat and breast. Immature Tree Swallow has white throat and diffuse breast band. Similar female Purple Martin is much larger. Similar but smaller Bank Swallow has white throat and dark breast band. Flight is slower with deeper wingbeats than Bank Swallow's.

Solitary nester (Bank Swallow is colonial).

Song: deep rasping twitter.

Videos

Images

Credit: Ray Barlow

Distribution Maps

Northern Rough-winged Swallow distribution map

Northern Rough-winged Swallow winter distribution map