Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
The Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) is a small, agile passerine belonging to the Hirundinidae family, distinguished by its dull, earthy tones. Measuring approximately 13-15 cm (5-6 inches) in length with a wingspan of 28-32 cm, it typically weighs between 12-16 grams. Its plumage features a dusky brown back, head, and wings, contrasting with a clean whitish belly and a characteristic rusty wash on the throat and upper breast, which gives the species its scientific ep...
This adaptable swallow primarily inhabits open country, often near water sources such as rivers, lakes, streams, and coastal areas, where it finds suitable foraging grounds and nesting sites. It can be found from sea level up to elevations exceeding 3,000 meters, particularly in the Andean regions.
The diet of the Southern Rough-winged Swallow consists almost exclusively of small, flying insects, including flies, beetles, wasps, ants, and moths, which it captures adeptly during continuous aerial foraging.
Southern Rough-winged Swallows are diurnal and highly aerial insectivores, spending much of their day hawking for flying insects with agile, direct flight, often flying low over water or open fields. Outside the breeding season, they are gregarious, forming large communal roosts, sometimes number...
The Southern Rough-winged Swallow boasts a vast geographic distribution, extending from southern Mexico, throughout Central America, and across almost all of South America, reaching as far south as central Argentina and Uruguay. While many populations are resident year-round across their tropical...
Least Concern
- The "rough wing" in its name refers to tiny, hook-like barbules on the leading edge of its outer primary feathers, which are thought to create a rasping sound during flight or assist in aerodynamics. - Unlike many swallows that build mud nests, this species is a cavity nester, often digging its...