Southern rough-winged swallow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southern rough-winged swallow |
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| S. r. ruficollis The Pantanal, Brazil |
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| Genus: |
Stelgidopteryx
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| Species: |
ruficollis
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The southern rough-winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) is a small bird in the swallow family. These birds are known for their fast flight and graceful movements. A French bird expert named Louis Pierre Vieillot first officially described this swallow in 1817. He gave it the scientific name Hirundo ruficollis.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
This swallow is about 13.5 centimeters (5.3 inches) long. It weighs around 15 grams (0.5 ounces), which is very light! Its back is brown, and its wings and tail are a darker, blackish color. The area above its tail, called the rump, is a light grey.
Special Features
The throat and upper chest of the southern rough-winged swallow are a reddish-brown color, called rufous. Its lower belly is a yellowish-white. Its tail has a slight fork, meaning it splits a little at the end.
The name "rough-winged" comes from a special feature. The outer feathers on its wings have a slightly jagged or "serrated" edge. You would only notice this if you held the bird. It helps them fly and catch insects.
Where Do They Live?
Southern rough-winged swallows live in many parts of Central America and South America. You can find them from Honduras all the way south to northern Argentina and Uruguay. They also live on the island of Trinidad.
Migration
Some southern rough-winged swallows are migratory. This means they travel to different places depending on the season. Birds from the southern parts of their range fly north during the winter. However, the swallows living in the northern areas tend to stay in one place all year.
What Do They Eat and How Do They Live?
These swallows like to live in open areas. They also enjoy clearings within forests. They build their nests in different kinds of sheltered spots.
Nests and Eggs
They often use holes in banks or walls for their nests. Sometimes, they even use old nests made by other birds like kingfishers or jacamars. Their nests are usually lined with soft grass. Unlike some other swallows, they do not live in large groups or colonies.
A female southern rough-winged swallow usually lays 3 to 6 white eggs. She sits on the eggs to keep them warm for about 16 to 18 days. This is called incubation. After the eggs hatch, the young birds stay in the nest for about 13 more days before they are ready to fly. This is called fledging.
Food and Calls
Southern rough-winged swallows are insect eaters. They catch their food while flying! They usually fly low to the ground with a slow, steady flight. They eat many different kinds of insects. These include plant bugs, beetles, flies, flying ants, and other small bugs. Their call is a simple, unmusical chirrup sound.
