Southern Rough-winged Swallow

Overview

The southern rough-winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae. It is found across Central and South America, with a population estimated at over fifty million mature individuals.

Identification

• Approximately 13 cm long, with a square tail and blackish-brown wings.
• Adult males have a dark gray-brown head with a cinnamon throat, while females lack the stiff, recurved barbs on the outer wing primaries that give the bird its name.
• Underparts feature a dark gray-brown breast, yellowish gray-brown belly, and white undertail coverts.
• Vocalisations include an upslurred 'suree', a rising 'zwee', and a rough 'djreeet', accompanied by twitters and buzzy sounds.

Habitat

Inhabits a variety of open landscapes, particularly those with water features, as well as clearings within forests. Found from Honduras south through mainland South America, excluding Chile, with records as vagrants on Caribbean islands and the Falklands.

Diet

Feeds on insects captured in mid-air, including flies, beetles, true bugs, and flying ants. Typically forages in small flocks with slow flight low to the ground or over water.

Did you know?

Although it commonly uses abandoned burrows created by other species like motmots or jacamars for nesting, it has been observed digging its own nests.