High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the air is crisp and the views are endless, you might catch a glimpse of a small, brown bird flitting acrobatically through the air. This unsung hero of the insect world is the Northern Rough-Winged Swallow, a common sight but often overlooked due to its subtle plumage.

While their flashy cousins, the toucans and macaws, steal the show with vibrant colors, the Northern Rough-Winged Swallow plays a vital role in the Costa Rican ecosystem. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating little bird.

A Master of the Skies

The Northern Rough-Winged Swallow is a small songbird, weighing a mere 16 grams. Its brown back and dusky throat blend seamlessly with the environment, allowing it to sneak up on unsuspecting insects. But don’t let its plain appearance fool you. This swallow is a master of maneuverability.

Its name comes from the tiny hooks on the leading edges of its outer wing feathers, giving it a rough texture. These “rough wings” help the swallow perform incredible aerial acrobatics as it swoops, dives, and changes direction in a flash, snatching insects mid-air.

Finding Your Feathered Friend

While you might spot the Northern Rough-Winged Swallow throughout Costa Rica, it particularly enjoys spending its summers in the mountains, near freshwater sources like lakes, rivers, and ponds. Look for them flying low over the water, their wingbeats slower and more deliberate than other swallows.

They often fly singly or in small groups, but keep an eye out for mixed flocks of swallows, where the Northern Rough-Winged Swallow might be mingling with its brighter colored cousins.

A Borrower, Not a Builder

Unlike some of its swallow kin who construct elaborate mud nests, the Northern Rough-Winged Swallow takes a more relaxed approach to nesting. They prefer to utilize pre-existing cavities and burrows created by other birds or mammals. You might find them tucked away in holes along riverbanks or under bridges.

A Vital Part of the Ecosystem

The Northern Rough-Winged Swallow plays a crucial role in keeping insect populations in check. As insectivores, they spend their days relentlessly hunting down flying insects, helping to maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem.

A Sign of a Healthy Habitat

The presence of Northern Rough-Winged Swallows is a good indicator of a healthy environment. Their reliance on freshwater sources and natural cavities tells us that the surrounding ecosystem is thriving.

So, the next time you’re here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, keep an eye out for this little brown acrobat. The Northern Rough-Winged Swallow, though unassuming, is a vital part of the tapestry of life in the mountains, and a silent guardian of the skies.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)