Eurasian Crag-Martin

Ptyonoprogne rupestris

The Eurasian Crag-Martin is a small, swift bird that loves to fly around rocky cliffs and buildings. It has a beautiful brown and white body and is known for its acrobatic flying skills.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Eurasian Crag-Martin is a small, dusty grey-brown bird with a paler throat and chest, and distinctive white spots visible on its fanned tail. It has broad, pointed wings that help it glide gracefully, making it visually distinct from darker swallows.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyHirundinidaeGenusPtyonoprogne

Photo: Martien BrandCC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗

Eurasian Crag-Martin

Interesting facts

Eurasian Crag-Martins gather in huge groups to roost on cliffs at night!

Their sturdy mud nests are sometimes reused by other birds in later years!

These clever birds often nest on human-made structures like bridges and dams!

They drink by skimming low over water, scooping sips while flying!

Special abilities

Eurasian Crag-Martins can cling to vertical rock faces and ledges using tiny, sharp claws for nesting and perching.

Eurasian Crag-Martins catch fast-moving insects in mid-air thanks to their agile, maneuvering flight and wide gape.

Eurasian Crag-Martins use rising air currents (thermals) to save energy during long flights and migrations.

Measurements & details

Length: 13-15 cm
Wingspan: 32-34 cm
Weight: 0.018-0.028 kg
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Speed: 60 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-5
Incubation: 13-17 days
Migration Distance: 5000 km

Diet & Feeding

These speedy fliers expertly catch tiny insects right out of the air for their meals.

Primary Foods

Flies
Mosquitoes
Beetles
Moths
Lacewings

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

A top aerial predator of adult birds.

Eaten by

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

A nimble hunter that ambushes small birds.

Eats

House Fly

Musca domestica

A common flying insect they actively hunt.

Eats

Common Mosquito

Culex pipiens

A widespread insect providing a food source.

Traits

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Aerial

Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Mountain

This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.

Diurnal

Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

Speedster

This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Birds

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch these birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Eurasian Crag-Martin?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Eurasian Crag-Martin?

13-15 cm

What is Eurasian Crag-Martin's wingspan?

32-34 cm

How much does Eurasian Crag-Martin weigh?

0.018-0.028 kg

How long does Eurasian Crag-Martin live?

3-5 years

How fast can Eurasian Crag-Martin move?

60 km/h

What does Eurasian Crag-Martin eat?

These speedy fliers expertly catch tiny insects right out of the air for their meals.