| Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) |
| Synonyms: Hirundo ruficollis |
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Stelgidopteryx ruficollis occurs in the Neotropics, from eastern Honduras to Uruguay; also in Trinidad. Southern populations are migratory, spending the austral winter in northern South America. These swallows are found in open areas near water, e.g., rivers, lakes, but also in forest clearings; mainly below 1,000 m. A gray-brown swallow with a buff throat, a pale yellowish-white belly, a pale-gray rump, and a slightly forked tail (length 13-13.5 cm; weight 14-18 g). This species nests solitary or in small loose groups. Nests are in burrows in river banks, excavated by the swallows or vacated by other species. Nesting season lasts from March to July in the north. The clutch is 3-6 eggs; incubation 16-18 days; the young fledge after 13-21 days. Both parents attend the nestlings. One brood a year, although may lay a replacement clutch. Like other swallows, S. ruficollis is an aerial insectivore, feeding on dipterans, winged ants, small beetles, etc.
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