Northern Rough-winged Swallow in August

August feels like summer but the year has turned. Southbound migration is quietly underway, many adults are molting into fresh plumage, and family groups are breaking up. Late nesters are still feeding young in the North while southern birds are already drifting toward wintering grounds.

For the Northern Rough-winged Swallow specifically, August is a summer month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 55 states and provinces where northern rough-winged swallows occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.

Southern states

absent

Mid-latitudes

summer breeder

Northern states & Canada

absent

In August, northern rough-winged swallows are absent in the South, summer breeder across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.

Northern rough-winged swallows are not nesting in August. The season runs April–July at mid-latitudes, and up to a month later in the North.

Outside the nesting season, northern rough-winged swallows put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.

• Flies, midges, beetles and winged ants

Nests in drainpipes, culverts and bank holes rather than colonies; often the first swallow over a pond.

Molting birds look scruffy and often skulk — don't be surprised if familiar visitors briefly vanish. Keep water fresh in the heat.

Full Northern Rough-winged Swallow diet guide → · Best feeder for northern rough-winged swallows →

Northern rough-winged swallows are settled and predictable in August, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.

The state guides below show exactly where in your region northern rough-winged swallows are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.

AlabamaAlbertaArizonaArkansasBritish ColumbiaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineManitoba