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[[Image:5779martinsfly1.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by johnrobinson<br />Photo taken: Stourport. U.K.]] | [[Image:5779martinsfly1.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by johnrobinson<br />Photo taken: Stourport. U.K.]] | ||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | Length 12-13 cm. | + | Length 12-13 cm. Sand-brown upperparts and white underparts with a brown breast band. Forked tail. The bill and legs are black-brown. |
| + | |||
| + | Juveniles birds have pale fringes to their back feathers and the breast band is less distinct. | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| + | [[Africa]] but are summer visitors throughout [[Europe]] and [[Britain]]. | ||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| − | + | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
| − | + | ||
| + | Riverbanks, lakesides and sandpits. | ||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
| − | + | The diet includes insects, such as flies and spiders that are caught in flight. | |
| + | |||
| + | They nest in colonies, burrowing into banks, quarries and cliffs, and usually near water. The nest burrow is built by both parents; the nest chamber is lined with plant material and feathers. The eggs are white, smooth and glossy, and are incubated by both parents and both parents feed the young. | ||
| + | |||
==Bird Song== | ==Bird Song== | ||
<flashmp3>Riparia riparia (song).mp3</flashmp3><br /> | <flashmp3>Riparia riparia (song).mp3</flashmp3><br /> | ||
Revision as of 16:55, 11 March 2008
- Riparia riparia
Identification
Length 12-13 cm. Sand-brown upperparts and white underparts with a brown breast band. Forked tail. The bill and legs are black-brown.
Juveniles birds have pale fringes to their back feathers and the breast band is less distinct.
Distribution
Africa but are summer visitors throughout Europe and Britain.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Riverbanks, lakesides and sandpits.
Behaviour
The diet includes insects, such as flies and spiders that are caught in flight.
They nest in colonies, burrowing into banks, quarries and cliffs, and usually near water. The nest burrow is built by both parents; the nest chamber is lined with plant material and feathers. The eggs are white, smooth and glossy, and are incubated by both parents and both parents feed the young.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Riparia riparia (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
