Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis Apr–Aug

A rather drab looking bird with its brown upper feathers and white below, this swallow is easy to dismiss. But don't be fooled by their unassuming appearance. They travel north to Rhode Island during the warmer months to breed, and nest in existing tunnels and cavities, including drain pipes, crevices near gutters, and burrows made by squirrels and kingfishers. If strolling along Cliff Walk in Newport, keep an eye out for them as you pass through the stone tunnels, which have clay drain pipes built into the walls near the entrance. A family of five baby swallows were spotted mid-June in one of these pipes, being fed by the parents, who caught insects while in flight and brought them over to the nest. Their approach could be anticipated since the babies started chirping loudly and poking their heads out of the opening as soon as they saw them coming. These swallows are solitary nesters, and do not form large colonies.