Tree Martin

Overview

The tree martin (Petrochelidon nigricans) is a passerine bird in the swallow family that breeds in Australia and Timor, and migrates to various parts of the region for the winter. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Averages 13 cm in length with a shallowly forked tail.
• Adult plumage features an iridescent blue back and crown, brown wings and tail, a rufous forehead, and a whitish rump, with white underparts.
• Young birds are duller and browner with paler foreheads and pale feather fringes.
• Distinguished from similar species by its tail shape and pale rump.

Habitat

Favours open woodland with large trees to provide nest holes but is increasingly common in urban and suburban areas. It breeds in Australia south of latitude 20°S and on Timor island, while wintering across Australia, New Guinea, eastern Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. It is a rare vagrant to New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Diet

Forages above the canopy of tall eucalyptus trees and catches aerial insects more than 6 m above the ground, though it will also feed on insect swarms low over water. It exhibits a fast twisting flight pattern during foraging.

Did you know?

These birds occasionally reline the nests of welcome swallows and may displace the original owners to take over the nest.