Northern Rough-winged Swallow in February
Where northern rough-winged swallows are in February, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
February in the Northern Rough-winged Swallow's year
February still feels like deep winter, but days are lengthening and the first stirrings of the breeding season begin — resident birds start singing on mild mornings and some early nesters are already claiming territories. Late-winter storms can be the hardest feeding days of the year.
For the Northern Rough-winged Swallow specifically, February is a winter 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.
Where northern rough-winged swallows are in February
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In February, northern rough-winged swallows are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) 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.
Nesting in February
Northern rough-winged swallows are not nesting in February. The season runs April–July at mid-latitudes.
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.
What to feed in February
- Migrates to Mexico and Central America
Nests in drainpipes, culverts and bank holes rather than colonies; often the first swallow over a pond.
Don't let feeders run empty during late-winter storms; birds burn enormous energy staying warm. This is also the month to clean and repair nest boxes before early nesters move in.
Full Northern Rough-winged Swallow diet guide → · Best feeder for northern rough-winged swallows →
Watching northern rough-winged swallows this month
Northern rough-winged swallows are settled and predictable in February, 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.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow month by month
Northern Rough-winged Swallow by state
Frequently asked
Where are northern rough-winged swallows in February?
In February, northern rough-winged swallows are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do northern rough-winged swallows nest in February?
No — northern rough-winged swallows typically nest April through July at mid-latitudes.
What do northern rough-winged swallows eat in February?
Migrates to Mexico and Central America.
Sources
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.