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25

Rock Martin

(Ptyonoprogne fuligula)
Alternate name(s): "African Rock Martin", "Pale Crag Martin"
Size: 12.5-14 cm; wing span: 27.5-30 cm
Weight: 14-24.5 g

Similar
species

Description     Classification     Distribution     Sightings     Photos     Breeding     Nest     Eggs     Behaviour     Food     Call/s

Physical description

Click here for a physical description

Taxonomy, classification

See Rock Martin at Wikipedia .

Range, habitat

Click here for information on habitat and range

Sightings

Click here for sighting information

Photos

Race "fusciventris"(?)

ADULT

Sex unknown

Near-lateral/ventral view of a Rock Martin perched on the edge of a wall
[Campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, April 2010]

Distant near-frontal view of a Rock Martin in flight
[Campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, November 2009]

Near-dorsal view of a Rock Martin in flight
[Campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, November 2009]

Ventral view of a Rock Martin in flight
[Campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, November 2009]

Ventral view of a Rock Martin in flight
[Campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, November 2009]

Breeding information

Breeding season: Apr(?) - Sep Eggs: 2 - 3 Incubation period: 16 - 19 days Fledging age: 22 - 30 days

Although Rock Martins usually nest on their own, small colonies are also occasionally found. The breeding season depends on factors such as geographic latitude, local climate and also altitude. In favourable conditions 2-3 broods can be raised in one season.

Nest building: Female & male Incubation: Female & male Dependent care: Female & male

Nest

Type: Bowl Material: Mud with feather lining Height above ground: 3 - ? m

Rock Martin bringing in a new feather for lining its nest
[Campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, December 2009]

There is the perfect spot - fits!
[Campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, December 2009]

Here a different nest, where two Rock Martin chicks are being fed
[Campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, April 2010]

Job done! Rock Martin taking off to catch more insects
[Campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, April 2010]

Eggs

Size: 21 x 14 mm Colour: Buff-white with grey-brown speckles Shape: Tapered oval

Food, Diet

Like all other swallows known to us, Rock Martins are insect hunters. They feed in-flight on small insects.

These pages are largely based on our own observations and those of our contributors. The structure of these bird pages is explained HERE. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.

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