Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Photo by Jshamgochian on Wikimedia

Stelgidopteryx serripennis
 
I encountered Northern Rough-winged Swallows darting and banking over Malibu Creek. This species is typically found above bodies of water, hunting insects. I could watch these aerial acrobats for hours.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow has tiny hooks on the leading edge of their wing feathers, which is what gives them this name. I have never been close enough to one of these birds myself.

Unlike many other species of swallows, they do not make mud nests. They build their nests in crevices out of grass and twigs. However, these seemingly simple nests can reach 40 inches long!

These Swallows breed across North America and spend winter in Mexico and Central America. Next time you are near a body of water, look up and you may see these agile birds catching lunch!

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