Northern Rough-Winged Swallow Portrait

by Chad Meyer

Title

Northern Rough-Winged Swallow Portrait

Artist

Chad Meyer

Medium

Photograph - Digital Photography

Description

During my vacation in Massanutten, Virginia I was birdwatching at one of the lakes there at the resort when this Northern Rough-Wing Swallow perched right in front of me for about a good 45 seconds. i was able to get a few good shots of it posing for me portrait style. This is the closest look I've had at one of these swallows as I usually see them in the air or perched very high.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow's plain brown back and dusky throat doesn't stand out, allowing it to sometimes go unnoticed in flocks of brighter swallow species. This common summer visitor flies low over water snatching insects in midair and rests on wires, posts, and exposed branches. It nests in burrows excavated by other birds and mammals, and spends the winters in Mexico and Central America. The species derives its name from the outer wing feathers, which have small hooks or points on their leading edges.

Northern Rough-winged Swallows are common throughout the United States and southern Canada during the summer. Look for them flying low over lakes, ponds, and rivers. They tend to fly lower to the water than other swallows and fly with slower and more deliberate wingbeats. They often occur singly or in small groups, but be sure to check groups of swallows as they tend to mix with other species, especially during migration.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow gets its name from minuscule hooks on the leading edge of their primary feathers. Running a finger along the edge of the feather from base to the tip feels like touching a rough file.

Uploaded

August 18th, 2022

Colors

Embed

Share

Tags