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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
Eurasian Crag-Martin
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Eurasian Crag-Martin

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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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

Ability

Cliff Climber

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

Ability

Acrobatic Hunter

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

Ability

Thermal Soarer

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
Top 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

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Where is Eurasian Crag-Martin usually found?

Mountain regions

How does Eurasian Crag-Martin hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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