Page 276 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

MARTINS AND SWALLOWS
Order Passeriformes Family Hirundinidae Species Ptynoprogne rupestris
Crag Martin

whitish collar
below dark
cheek
dull brown back
and rump with
grey tinge
finely
streaked,
brown tail blackish wedge brownish
with oblong on underwings grey chin
white spots
near tip
very pale
brownish
dusky rear IN FLIGHT grey
underbody underside

f the European
Omartins, this is the largest
and the most uniform in colour, and the
finest flier. It soars and floats confidently near cliffs, using
the upcurrents expertly, often sweeping backwards and forwards
across the cliff face like the end of a pendulum, neatly tilting over FLIGHT: smooth, elegant, to and fro across face of
and turning at the end of each traverse. It is often accompanied by cliff, around high peaks, or over water; agile, gliding
smaller, less accomplished House Martins during these flights. with few quick wingbeats, fast turns.
VOICE Short, high, metallic clicking notes, dry tshirr; TAIL SPOTS
fast, twittering song. The white spots on the tail of the
NESTING Mud nest under overhang of cliff or building Crag Martin are diagnostic but
or in cave; 4 or 5 eggs; 1 or 2 broods;April–June. sometimes difficult to see.
FEEDING Aerial, catching flying insects and drifting
spiders in air.

MUD GATHERER
Close views are often possible as
Crag Martins almost ignore people
as they gather at a puddle to
collect mud for their nests. OCCURRENCE
All year in S Europe, breeding in
SIMILAR SPECIES Spain, Portugal, Alps, Italy, and
Balkans. Typically in mountainous
SAND MARTIN HOUSE MARTIN areas or lowlands with gorges and
see p.273 stiff wings white rump;
see p.277 broad, stony riverbeds; also in
older parts of towns around
much smaller
Mediterranean, using buildings
much as cliffs; often at great altitude
whiter below
bigger around peaks.
whiter below Seen in the UK
ALPINE SWIFT
see p.251 JF M A M J JA S ON D
Length 14–15cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6in) Wingspan 32cm (12 1 ⁄2in) Weight 20–25g ( 11 ⁄16 – 7 ⁄8oz)
Social Small flocks Lifespan Up to 5 years Status Secure
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