rough-winged swallow

[ ruhf-wingd ]

noun

1. either of two New World swallows of the genus Stelgidopteryx, having outer primary feathers with small barblike hooks on the margins.
2. any of several African swallows of the genus Psalidoprocne, having similar feathers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rough-winged swallow¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

A northern rough-winged swallow alighted on a branch and Mr. Cooper, 57, trained his lenses on it for a while.

From New York Times

Four birds have been elusive: the hairy woodpecker, bank swallow, cliff swallow and northern rough-winged swallow.

From Washington Times

Group members responded to van den Broek’s question by listing the names of the birds they had spotted - a chickadee, a kingfisher, a rough-winged swallow.

From Washington Times

Only their cousin, the rough-winged swallow, whose breast is brownish gray, is so plainly dressed.

From Project Gutenberg

The rare rough-winged swallow deigns to linger and nest in the Park as well as do his more common brethren.

From Project Gutenberg