rough-winged swallow

[ ruhf-wingd ]

noun

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

Origin of rough-winged swallow

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

The rough-winged swallow builds in the wall and in old stone-heaps, and I have seen the robin build in similar localities.
In the Catskills | John Burroughs
The rare rough-winged swallow deigns to linger and nest in the Park as well as do his more common brethren.
The Log of the Sun | William Beebe
Only their cousin, the rough-winged swallow, whose breast is brownish gray, is so plainly dressed.
Birds Every Child Should Know | Neltje Blanchan
The rough-winged swallow builds in the wall and in old stone heaps, and I have seen the robin build in similar localities.
Wake-Robin | John Burroughs

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