Sand Martin

Riparia riparia

Family: Swallows · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 11.5–13 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds throughout the Holarctic and winters to South America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, southern China and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Grayish-brown upperparts with slightly darker wings; white throat and underparts with a well-defined dark brown breast-band; tail slightly notched and shorter than most swallows seen in Singapore. Juvenile has buff-edged upperparts and a less distinct breast-band. Distinguished from Barn and Pacific Swallow by brown (not blue) upperparts, shallower tail fork, white throat (beware juvenile Barn Swallows can have pale orange throat that looks whitish if not seen well) and brown breast-band. Told apart from Asian and Siberian House Martin by brown (not blue-black) upperparts, brown breast-band, and absence of white rump.

Habitat

Open areas near water: lakes, rivers, reservoirs, coastal mudflats, and wetlands.

Behaviour

Forages aerially in fluttery, butterfly-like flight with shallow rapid wingbeats and short glides.