Northern Rough-winged Swallow

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow is a plain brown swallow with pale underparts and a short, square-ended tail. It feeds on flying insects over water and open ground, usually with slower wingbeats than other swallows. The species is often seen around rivers, lakes, gravel pits and bridges. It nests singly in holes in banks, cliffs, culverts and other structures, often using an existing cavity. Small hooks on the outer primary feathers give the species its English name but are not visible in the field.