MDI Birds
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    Northern Rough-winged Swallow / Stelgidopteryx serripennis

    : late May-early Jul but no confirmed breeding records since the mid 1960s. However they breed in interior Hancock Co but as pairs are typically solitary nesters, usually near fresh water, they could easily pass undetected.

    Migrant: but probably overlooked mid Apr-mid May and again mid July-mid Sep. Usually pass unnoticed overhead unless the short, flatulent call notes are heard. Most likely to be seen well on cold, wet days in spring when swallows of all kinds forage over ponds feeding on emerging insects.

    Miscellany: Rough-winged Swallows are so named because the outer web of the outermost primary has an unusual rough, saw-like edge. Both latin names reflect this character but as yet it's not known if any benefit is conferred.

    Last Updated: June 3rd, 2022