GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

Species Code: STSE

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is locally common at low and moderate elevations throughout the state, usually near water, especially along coastal sand cliffs or rivers with high banks.

Good habitat in core zones included shoreline and water/wetlands below the Silver Fir zone (east side), below the Grand Fir zone (east-side Cascades), below the Interior Western Hemlock zone (northeastern Washington), and below the Sub-alpine Fir zone (Blue Mountains). Western Washington farms were also good habitat (since they usually occur in flood plains of major rivers).

Washington breeders represent the northern subspecies S. s. serripennis. In western Washington this is the only bank-nesting swallow. However, in eastern Washington, this species' habitat overlaps almost entirely with that of Bank Swallows, though the latter is found in larger colonies and is much more restricted to lowland sites in the Columbia Basin. The Northern Rough-winged Swallow's nest is a burrow in a sandy bank. Foraging usually occurs over water. Ideal habitats are rivers that have carved out suitable sandy banks for nesting. Man-made banks are also utilized, as are old burrows from other species, as long as adequate foraging habitat is nearby. Bank erosion from increased flooding of rivers in eastern Washington has greatly increased nesting habitat for this species. In northeastern Washington, found in all major river valleys.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester