Description

The Northern Rough-Winged Swallow receives its name from the "roughness" of its primary feathers. These birds are rarely seen out of flight. In fact, these birds do not do well on the ground and are usually only seen there while gathering nest materials. Also, they will actually fly in order to move just a few feet across the ground. This Swallow mostly feeds over water and eats flying insects such as flies, winged ants, wasps, and beetles. To drink, they dip their bill into the water while flying. Flies low to the ground and can navigate tight turns. Has a slower, smoother wingbeat as compared to the "fluttery" wingbeat of the Bank Swallow.