Charlie Spencer Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 (edited) I'm wading through some older photos. This bird was perched on a sign near a large pond in the middle of several dozen acres of farm fields. The bird remained for several minutes before taking off. It appears to me to be a swallow. I think there are six species in central SC. Too much white for a male Purple Martin, not enough spots underneath for a female. The pattern of white on the neck isn't right for a Tree or Bank, and the open pond in flat land doesn't suit a Bank's habitat. Not enough orange for a Barn or Cliff I'm left with Northern Rough-Winged, but it looks too dark compared to photos I have of confirmed NRWS. Is that just the angle of the light? April 2016, Lexington County, central SC. Thanks. Edited July 30, 2018 by Charlie Spencer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Tiff Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 NRWS, I think it's the lighting that makes it look a little darker. Looks almost identical to a picture I have of one in my backyard. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdbrain22 Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Agree with Northern Rough-winged Swallow. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackburnian Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 I actually think Purple Martin here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psweet Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Purple Martin should have a gray collar and a pale forehead, as well as a longer tail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackburnian Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Yes, I suppose so. Not sure what I was thinking earlier. I was on my phone and it looked awfully dark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Look exactly like what I saw when in Northern OH about a month ago. About a dozen swarming around an open field. I ID'd them as Northern Rough-Winged Swallow also. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted July 31, 2018 Author Share Posted July 31, 2018 NRWS it is, then. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.