Sand Martin

The Sand Martin, known as the Bank Swallow in North America, is the smallest and plainest of the widespread swallow-family aerial insectivores. It is plain brown above and white below, with a distinctive brown breast band crossing the otherwise white underparts -- the easiest feature separating it from other small swallows and martins.

Its most notable trait is its nesting habit: Sand Martins excavate long burrows into vertical sandy or earthy banks, often in dense colonies of dozens to hundreds of pairs.

Key field marks

• Plain brown upperparts, white underparts with a distinct brown breast band
• Small size and slightly forked tail
• Fluttering, buoyant flight, often low over water
• Nests in colonies of round burrow entrances dug into sandy banks

Similar species

The House Martin is glossy blue-black above with a white rump and no breast band. The Barn Swallow is larger with a deeply forked tail and rufous throat. The brown breast band is the most reliable mark for Sand Martin.

Range

One of the most widespread swallows in the world, breeding across Europe, Asia, and North America; winters in Africa, South America, and southern Asia depending on the population.

Habitat

Nests in vertical sandy or earthy banks along rivers, lakes, coastal cliffs, and man-made sites such as quarries and sand pits. Forages over water, wetlands, and open farmland.

Migration

A long-distance migrant; European and Asian populations winter mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, while North American populations winter in South America.

Behavior

Highly colonial, excavating burrows close together in suitable banks; colonies can be very dense where good nesting habitat is limited. Forms large pre-migration roosts in reedbeds.

Voice

A dry, buzzy twittering call and chattering song, typically given in flight or from perches near the colony.

Feeding

Catches flying insects over water and open ground, often foraging low and in loose flocks with other swallows and martins.

Nesting and breeding

Excavates a burrow up to a meter long into a sandy or earthy bank using bill and feet, with a nest chamber at the end lined with grass and feathers. Lays 4-5 white eggs; pairs may raise two broods.