Fairy Martin

Overview

The fairy martin (Petrochelidon ariel) is a small, dumpy swallow that breeds in Australia and is increasingly a wanderer to New Zealand and other regions. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Dumpy, square-tailed bird averaging 12 cm long.
• Iridescent blue back with a rufous crown and nape, and a distinctively pale whitish rump.
• High-pitched vocalisations including a 'chrrrr' call and a high twitter, which are higher pitched than those of the similar tree martin.

Habitat

Frequently found in open country near water, this species is usually seen near nest sites in cliffs, culverts, or bridges. It is migratory, wintering through most of Australia with some birds reaching New Guinea and Indonesia.

Diet

Feeds high in the air on flying insects, usually in large flocks, but will also feed on insect swarms low over water or on injured moths on newly cut lawns. Exhibits a slow fluttering flight and often forms flocks with tree martins.

Did you know?

The mud nests constructed by fairy martins can become home to several species of microbats once vacated, including wattle bats and the small long-eared bat. Both sexes contribute to building these retort-shaped structures, which may contain up to a thousand mud pellets.