Washed with cinnamon

Remember the Northern Rough-winged Swallows I wrote about last month?  The adults successfully raised a large brood, because tonight we encountered a flock of six fledglings roosting nearby.  They must have just left the nest.

Below are views of four of the six.  Note the pinkish coloration at the gape, or base of the bill.

 

The very pretty rufous coloration was striking in the right light.  The Birds of North America account describes the juvenile plumage as being "washed with cinnamon" — a good description!

 

The next individual was sleeping in the warm summer sun, its head turned and tucked deep within its back feathers.

 

If you'd like to compare these juveniles with their parents, click here to see the post from 2 May 2013.