Mascarene Martin

Overview

The Mascarene martin (Phedina borbonica), also known as the Mascarene swallow, is a small passerine bird in the swallow family. It is a resident or migratory species found primarily in Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands, classified as a species of Least Concern.

Identification

• Small hirundine measuring approximately 12–15 cm in length with a weight ranging from 20.6 g to 23.9 g.
• Dark grey-brown upperparts and blackish-brown wings, with a slightly forked tail featuring white edges on the undertail coverts.
• Grey-brown underparts that become white on the throat and lower abdomen, heavily streaked with black.
• Heavy flight characterised by slow wingbeats interspersed with glides, often perching on wires; produces a warbled 'siri-liri' song.

Habitat

The breeding range is restricted to Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands, with the Madagascan subspecies migrating to East Africa during winter. The bird nests in small colonies at suitably sheltered sites such as ledges, buildings, tunnels, caves, or amongst rocks. In eastern Africa, it utilises open habitats including deforested areas for hunting.

Diet

Feeds exclusively on insects captured in flight, including scarabs, click beetles, other beetles, bugs, and flying ants. Forages low over the ground or vegetation, often hunting singly, in small groups, or with other swifts and swallows, most actively just before dusk.

Did you know?

The Mascarene martin has been recorded nesting in extraordinary locations, including on a small boat moored 20 m off the coast and 3–5 m over water, as well as in underground passageways.